Night of the Creeps

Night of the Creeps

Fred Dekker

(1986)

In 1959, an alien experiment crashes to earth and infects a fraternity member. They freeze the body, but in the modern day, two geeks pledging a fraternity accidentally thaw the corpse, which proceeds to infect the campus with parasites that transform their hosts into killer zombies.

Cast

Jason Lively
Christopher 'Chris' Romero: Jason Lively
Steve Marshall
James Carpenter 'J.C.' Hooper: Steve Marshall
Jill Whitlow
Cynthia 'Cindy' Cronenberg: Jill Whitlow
Tom Atkins
Det. Ray Cameron: Tom Atkins
Jason Lively
Christopher 'Chris' Romero: Jason Lively
Steve Marshall
James Carpenter 'J.C.' Hooper: Steve Marshall
Jill Whitlow
Cynthia 'Cindy' Cronenberg: Jill Whitlow
Tom Atkins
Det. Ray Cameron: Tom Atkins
Wally Taylor
Detective Landis: Wally Taylor

Crew

DirectorFred Dekker
Sound EditorBarbara Issak
Supervising Sound EditorJoe Fineman
Makeup ArtistBonita DeHaven
Sound EditorDoug Gray

Overview and Horror Legacy

The film is known for its many references to classic horror and science fiction, including character names inspired by famous directors. Despite its initial lack of success, it gained popularity through home video and cable television.

Collector Market and Memorabilia

Zombie cinema's collector appeal centers on physical craft — the effects work, the makeup, the specific texture of decay. The film delivers that craft within a narrative that gives it meaning beyond pure spectacle.

Cult Status

Written and directed by Fred Dekker, the film was produced with a modest budget and relied on practical effects to depict the creatures and their hosts. Night of the Creeps received mixed reviews upon release and performed poorly at the box office. However, it later developed a strong cult following.

Add your contribution

Share a collector's insight: a tip, a find, or something only fans would know.