The Dick Cavett Show Season 4 Episode 3 October 16 1980 Stephen King George A Romero Part 1

On October 16, 1980, The Dick Cavett Show welcomed two of the biggest names in horror: Stephen King and George A. Romero. This episode, the first in a two-part interview, promised to be a night of riveting conversation about the genre that had captivated audiences around the world.

For those unfamiliar with the show, The Dick Cavett Show was a talk show that ran from 1968 to 1986. Hosted by the titular Dick Cavett, it was known for its intelligent and engaging interviews with a wide variety of guests, from celebrities to politicians to intellectuals. And in this episode, Cavett brings his signature style to the horror genre, inviting two masters of the craft to discuss their work.

King and Romero were already well-established by 1980. King had penned classics like Carrie, The Shining, and The Stand, while Romero had directed Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, and many other cult favorites. But despite their success, the horror genre was still often dismissed as lowbrow or even dangerous, and King and Romero were no strangers to controversy.

In the episode, King and Romero discuss their early influences and the origins of their interest in horror. King, whose mother was a horror fan, talks about reading Poe and Lovecraft as a child and being drawn to the "monster movies" of the 1950s. Romero, on the other hand, says that his fascination with horror came from a sense of catharsis - that by creating and consuming scary stories, he could confront and process the fears and anxieties of everyday life.

The conversation quickly turns to their own work. King discusses his latest release, Firestarter, and the challenges of writing child characters. Romero talks about his upcoming film, Knightriders, which he describes as "Camelot with motorcycles," and how it represents a departure from his zombie films.

But most of the episode is spent delving into the genre of horror itself. King and Romero debate the merits of different subgenres - King preferring psychological horror, Romero leaning towards the more visceral and violent - and the ways in which horror can reflect and comment on society.

They also address some of the criticisms of horror, particularly the idea that it is inherently misogynistic or exploitative. King argues that horror, like any art form, can be done well or poorly, and that the issue isn't the genre itself but how it's executed. Romero notes that his own films often contain social commentary and that the horror elements are just a means to that end.

Throughout the episode, Cavett plays the role of the curious and engaged interviewer, asking thoughtful questions and steering the conversation towards deeper themes. He allows King and Romero to speak at length, never interrupting or rushing them, and the result is a thoughtful and substantive discussion of a genre that is often dismissed or derided.

Fans of King and Romero will no doubt enjoy this episode, but even those who are not horror enthusiasts may find themselves fascinated by the insights and observations of these two talented and thoughtful artists. As the first part of a two-part interview, it sets the stage for a deeper dive into the minds of two of the most important figures in horror history.