On October 1, 1968, the iconic horror film "Night of the Living Dead" premiered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Directed by George A. Romero, this low-budget, independent film revolutionized the zombie genre and became a cult classic.
The story follows a group of people who take refuge in a farmhouse while fighting off hordes of flesh-eating ghouls. The film's protagonist, Ben (played by Duane Jones), was a groundbreaking character as he was an African American hero in a time when such roles were scarce.
"Night of the Living Dead" was produced on a shoestring budget of approximately $114,000 and featured a cast of mostly unknown actors. Despite its limited resources, the film's gritty, realistic style and social commentary struck a chord with audiences.
The film's success was partially attributed to its clever marketing campaign, which included a "no late admission" policy to prevent people from walking in during the middle of the film and being confused by the plot.
"Night of the Living Dead" grossed over $30 million worldwide and spawned numerous sequels, remakes, and imitators. The film's influence can still be seen in modern zombie movies and television shows, such as "The Walking Dead."
Romero's masterpiece was added to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 1999, cementing its status as a significant piece of cinema history. The film's legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and horror enthusiasts to this day, making October 1 a memorable date for fans of the zombie genre.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
