The Halloween That Almost Wasn't (1979)

Waste of time

Good movie but grossly overrated

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

I'm not even sure how many times I'd watched this special as a kid. Often enough to commit Dracula's mini-tirade to memory: "Eeeeegor, you did it again! How many times do I have to tell you? Keep the tomb door open at night and closed in the day. Open at night and CLOSED IN THE DAY!"Judd Hirsch owns in this movie, and he's who I conjure whenever hearing the name Dracula (is it any wonder I'm more comically inclined rather than horror?); his facial expressions, comedic timing and willingness to play such a goofy role. But he's not backed by lightweights. Mariette Hartley plays the curmudgeonly witch to a T (her annoyance is infectious), while Henry Gibson hands up an Igor performance almost as memorable as that of Marty Feldman. I dig the playfulness of this thing, and the movie's daffy sense of humor. It's one of those annual specials worthy of being passed down to the next generation. Get off your asses, Disney, and give this thing a proper release.9/10

I just wanted to say that I really love this movie! I have been looking for it for a really long time. My mom went on to EBAY a couple of year ago and purchased it from this lady in Canada for $70 bucks on VHS.I recently had a friend copy it on to a DVD. It is so awesome to have and watch anytime I want.If any one is interested in a copy, please let me know. I am more than happy to share! I just wish they would keep these traditional movies on TV for our kids today!Thanks,Priscilla

This one is not to be missed! So much kids TV from the 70's was beneath contempt. This little film is a gem. We snatched it off the Disney Channel in 1989 and have watched it with our kids every Halloween since. It is charming and sweet, even now that the kids are grown! Makes a great double feature with either "Mr. Boogety" and/or "Bride of Boogety"! A triple! Judd Hirsch is great Dracula! Marianne Hartley was a doll! Henry Gibson! And the dialogue! "Disco Dancing? I don't remember disco dancing!" "Teeny Tiny Bat, teeny tiny bat!" "I can see him clearly, coming through the fog!" "How many times do I have to tell you: Open at night, closed in the day!"

I've always like this little Halloween movie.Its funny and has good acting.Judd Hirsch really put on a good performance as Count Dracula.Henry Gibson was very good as Igor and Mariette Hartley was good as the Witch.John Schuck was good.If you ever come across this feature on TV or anywhere especially around Halloween time see it because its a good one!