Course Title:  Literature 305, Books To Movies: Stephen King

Prerequisite:  None

Credits:  4

Books To Movies, Literature 305 is a course designed to introduce the student to a select number of books, written by legendary author Stephen King, that have inspired and influenced modern horror fiction and movies. The goal for the students in this class is to indentify Stephen King in the movies adapted from his novels. The List includes:

• Carrie
• The Shining
• Christine
• Salem's Lot

Carrie was released in 1976, the first novel of King's to be adapted to the big screen. Directed by Brian De Palma, and starring Sissy Spacek as Carrie White. A young John Travolta as appears in the movie Billy Nolan. With the tagline, "If You've Got A Taste For Terror...Take Carrie to the Prom." The movie is remembered for the pig blood shower that Carrie recieves at the prom. Unfortunately for her antagonists, Carrie has telekinetic powers.

The Shining was released in 1980, and was directed by Stanley Kubrick. The movie became a hallmark for acclaimed actor Jack Nicholson, and also starred Shelly Duvall. The plot centers around a haunted and remote hotel and the  young boy and his family who assume ownership of the hotel. Horror movies will never be the same after this seminal work, and Mr. Nicholson cements his reputation as a great actor with his work as Jack Torrance. The Shining also has been adapted for the small screen. One of Stephen Kings most versatile books to movies.

Christine was released in 1983, and directed by horror maven John Carpenter. The movie star's Keith Gordon as Arnie Cunningham and John Stockwell as Dennis Guilder among other teenage buddies. The real star of the show, of course, is Christine, a red and white 1958 Plymouth. After Arnie buys the car, and gives it his tender loving care, Christine reciprocates by infusing Arnie with the evil character of the car. A great movie for car lovers, as well as horror buffs.

Salem's Lot was released in 1979 as a TV movie. Directed by Tobe Hooper, it stars David Soul as Ben Mears, James Mason as Richard K. Straker, and University favorite Fred Williard as Larry Crockett. A horrifically frightening tale of vampires in a small New England town. Classic scenes include the tongue depressor cross that wards off  vampires and any scene with scary head vampire portrayed by James Mason. Students who elect this class will sleep with crucifixes near themselves at all times.