The call to start filming came in late June, and the production schedule was set from June 10th through July 29th, 1979. For Alex, this was an intense and exciting period. He spent weeks on location, immersed in the eerie world of Jerusalem's Lot.
One of the most striking aspects of the production was the creation of the infamous Marsten House, the lair for Kurt Barlow. Alex learned from crew members that the imposing exterior was not an existing building but a complete, full-scale facade constructed specifically for the miniseries. Built atop a smaller house on a hilltop, Alex remembered being genuinely awestruck by its menacing presence, especially during the night shoots. He even overheard someone mentioning that the $100,000 spent on the facade alone could have built an entire house in 1979, highlighting the commitment to creating a truly memorable visual.
Alex's scenes often involved the talented James Mason, who played Richard Straker. Alex recalled the veteran actor's professionalism and his clear relish in playing the servant of evil. He learned that Mr. Mason had been producer Richard Kobritz's first choice for the role and had embraced the script with enthusiasm.
He also heard some interesting background stories. Apparently, the renowned horror director George A. Romero had initially been approached to direct a theatrical film version of Salem's Lot. However, Warner Bros. decided a TV miniseries would be a better route, and Mr. Romero, feeling restricted by the limitations of network television, eventually stepped away. Despite these changes, the miniseries had the approval of Stephen King himself, even though it took some liberties with the source material.
Most of Alex's scenes were indeed opposite David Soul, who played the lead character, Ben Mears. By 1979, David Soul was already a well-established star, having gained recognition in Here Come the Brides (1968 to 1970) and Magnum Force (1973). His most iconic role prior to Salem's Lot was undoubtedly Detective Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson in the hugely successful television series Starsky & Hutch (1975–1979). Filming Salem's Lot occurred during the final year of Starsky & Hutch's run. David Soul was a prominent figure on television, and working closely with him was a significant experience for Alex.
This was the final day of shooting.
The last location shoot for Salem's Lot centered around the dramatic image of the Marsten House ablaze. A safe distance from the carefully controlled inferno, the jeep sat parked, bathed in the flickering orange glow. Inside, Alex hunched slightly, his youthful face portraying Mark's weariness and the lingering trauma of their battle. David Soul, as Ben, sat beside him, his gaze fixed on the consuming flames, a deep furrow etched between his brows. The wind, generated by powerful fans just off-camera, whipped around them, carrying the scent of smoke as intended.
"Alex, whenever you're ready," Tobe Hooper's voice crackled over the loudspeaker.
Alex took a deep breath, channeling the emotions of Mark Petrie. His voice, when he spoke, was small and laced with exhaustion. "The town will burn."
David, his eyes holding a distant, haunted quality, replied, his voice low and gravelly, "It will drive them out of their hiding places."
"All of them?" Alex asked, a glimmer of remaining fear in his eyes.
David shook his head slowly, the movement barely perceptible in the dim light. "No." He paused, then turned his attention back to the raging fire, a sense of grim purpose hardening his expression. "It will purify Salem's Lot." After a beat, he added, his voice laced with weariness, "And the others will be on the run. And on the hunt."
"For us?" Alex asked, his voice filled with apprehension.
David nodded, a single, steady movement. "For us."
Alex then turned back to watch the spectacle of the burning house, the flames casting dancing shadows on his face. A deep sigh escaped his lips, his expression one of quiet resignation. The fight was over for now, but the terror lingered.
"Cut!" Tobe Hooper's voice boomed through the night, the sound momentarily startling. The wind machines gradually slowed, their powerful gusts subsiding. David Soul reached over and gave Alex a comforting pat on the arm. The tension that had gripped the small space within the jeep eased, replaced by the quiet satisfaction of capturing a crucial moment in their story. The shooting for Salem's Lot was officially wrapped.
******
The crew was busy de-rigging the large, powerful fans and checking the burned façade of the Marsten House. In the temporary rest area set up in a large tent, Alex was peeling off the grime from the final night shoot.
He heard a quiet cough and turned to see James Mason standing nearby, nursing a small cup of coffee. Mr. Mason, though looking tired, carried his usual composed air.
"Ah, young Alex," Mason began, his voice soft and melodious. "Tell me, how does it feel to wrap on your first really significant role?"
Alex took a moment, considering the chaos and the quiet satisfaction. "It feels… monumental, sir. Like standing at the end of a very long, exciting marathon. I'm exhausted, but mostly just grateful that we made it."
Mason gave a slow, approving nod. "That is a perfect description. That final scene in the jeep—the realization that the hunt never truly ends—you played the lingering fear very truthfully. Not the frantic energy of a boy, but the deep, quiet terror of a young man who has seen too much."
"Thank you, sir. I tried to think about what Mark had actually lost."
"That is the key, my boy," Mason said. " Acting is often just listening well and reacting honestly. You have a fine presence, Alex. You listen. You react. And you are not afraid of silence. That resignation you showed spoke volumes without a single word."
Mason gave a final, encouraging look. "This miniseries will be good for you. You have acquitted yourself admirably. This is your foundation. Build on it wisely."
"I will, sir. Thank you."
"Good. Get some rest, Alex."
Mr. Mason offered a final, brief nod and walked slowly away, leaving Alex feeling deeply validated. It was a simple, profound lesson in professional respect from a master.