The Satan Bug (1965). Possible inspiration for The Stand?

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Checkman

Getting older and balder
May 9, 2007
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One of my favorite Cold War techno-thrillers. Love all those square jawed WASPS spouting slightly clunky speeches while looking great in tailored suits. Directed by John Sturges whose work I've always enjoyed (Bad Day at Black Rock, The Great Escape, The Magnificent Seven, The Eagle Has Landed, McQ, Ice Station Zebra). Based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Alistair MacLean under the pseudonym Ian Stuart. The movie plays like a well financed crossover episode of The Outer Limits meets The Man From Uncle, but I like it. Got the blue-ray of this movie for my birthday a few days ago and I watched it for the first time in many years today.Very nice disc. Visually very sharp. For those of us who are film geeks there is a narrative from a film historian. I like that since I'm a bit of a film geek. As I watched the first part of it I couldn't help but draw comparisons between Station Three and Project Blue. Both are top secret labs developing bio-weapons. Both are underground and located in the California desert and both concern a world killing bio-engineered bug getting out of the lab. I can't help but speculate that The Satan Bug was one of Mr. King's creative inspirations. I'm not being critical for that's how the creative process works. It's just odd that I've never made the connection before.
 
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Maddie

Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
Jul 10, 2006
4,945
9,346
that dollhouse at the end of the street
It’s a Dance. And sometimes they turn the lights off in this ballroom. But we’ll dance anyway, you and I. Even in the Dark. Especially in the Dark. May I have the pleasure?”

Stephen King
from Danse Macabre


Jeff if you haven't read his autobiographical 'Danse Macabre' I think you would quite enjoy that one! He does a lot of discussing film and tv from the 50s and 60s and the great impact that so many had on his life and his writings. I wouldn't be one bit surprised if that film you mention here could be in there, I shall pull it for a look through to see, if I can see . ; )
 

Checkman

Getting older and balder
May 9, 2007
902
1,989
Idaho
You
It’s a Dance. And sometimes they turn the lights off in this ballroom. But we’ll dance anyway, you and I. Even in the Dark. Especially in the Dark. May I have the pleasure?”

Stephen King
from Danse Macabre


Jeff if you haven't read his autobiographical 'Danse Macabre' I think you would quite enjoy that one! He does a lot of discussing film and tv from the 50s and 60s and the great impact that so many had on his life and his writings. I wouldn't be one bit surprised if that film you mention here could be in there, I shall pull it for a look through to see, if I can see . ; )
You're right he does. I have read it, but it's been awhile. Another television movie that I think might have had some influence on him is Where Have All The People Gone? (1974) A made for television movie in which the bulk of the Human race is killed off by a freak sun-spot. Starred Peter Graves.
 

Doc Creed

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Nov 18, 2015
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It’s a Dance. And sometimes they turn the lights off in this ballroom. But we’ll dance anyway, you and I. Even in the Dark. Especially in the Dark. May I have the pleasure?”

Stephen King
from Danse Macabre


Jeff if you haven't read his autobiographical 'Danse Macabre' I think you would quite enjoy that one! He does a lot of discussing film and tv from the 50s and 60s and the great impact that so many had on his life and his writings. I wouldn't be one bit surprised if that film you mention here could be in there, I shall pull it for a look through to see, if I can see . ; )

You

You're right he does. I have read it, but it's been awhile. Another television movie that I think might have had some influence on him is Where Have All The People Gone? (1974) A made for television movie in which the bulk of the Human race is killed off by a freak sun-spot. Starred Peter Graves.
He also spends nearly a whole chapter discussing the writing of The Stand in Danse Macabre, as you may remember. Thanks for the two movie mentions, Checkman, I have seen neither.
 

Maddie

Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
Jul 10, 2006
4,945
9,346
that dollhouse at the end of the street
He also spends nearly a whole chapter discussing the writing of The Stand in Danse Macabre, as you may remember. Thanks for the two movie mentions, Checkman, I have seen neither.

:laugh: omg really??? Seriously a whole chapter??? that's too funny. Its been a while since I read it too! I suppose, I somewhat remembered something, somewhatly subconsciuosly or, something! Thank you Doc Creed, I actually had pulled the book to check it but hadn't looked it yet. Actually I need to read it again its always been one of my favorites. :rugby:
 

Doc Creed

Well-Known Member
Nov 18, 2015
17,221
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United States
:laugh: omg really??? Seriously a whole chapter??? that's too funny. Its been a while since I read it too! I suppose, I somewhat remembered something, somewhatly subconsciuosly or, something! Thank you Doc Creed, I actually had pulled the book to check it but hadn't looked it yet. Honestly I need to read it again now its one of my favorites. :rugby:
Don't hold me to that but he does tell a lengthy story about writing the book in the '70s and how he got frustrated with all the plot threads that had gotten out of hand. He tells it toward the end of the book.