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About Night Shift by Stephen King:
Night Shift is a collection of 20 short stories by Stephen King, published in 1978. This collection is a showcase of King’s ability to evoke suspense and terror in short-form fiction. The stories span a range of horror sub-genres, blending psychological and supernatural elements to create an unsettling experience for readers. What makes Night Shift particularly gripping is King’s mastery of atmosphere, character development, and his innovative storytelling techniques. Each story presents a unique scenario where ordinary settings are invaded by extraordinary and often horrifying elements, tapping into deep-seated fears and anxieties.
Stories in Night Shift and Their Descriptions:
- “Jerusalem’s Lot“
- Description: A prequel to Salem’s Lot, this epistolary tale reveals the dark history of the town of Jerusalem’s Lot through letters and diary entries, uncovering a haunted house and its malevolent secrets.
- “Graveyard Shift“
- Description: Workers in a decrepit textile mill face a horrifying discovery in the basement—a monstrous, predatory entity that attacks them in their bid to escape its clutches.
- “Night Surf“
- Description: Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly plague, a group of young beachgoers deal with the aftermath of humanity’s collapse and the terror of the plague’s lingering effects.
- “The Mangler“
- Description: A malevolent laundry machine in a small-town laundry shop begins killing people, driven by an otherworldly force, as the protagonist tries to uncover and stop its deadly rampage.
- “The Boogeyman“
- Description: A man recounts his terrifying experiences with an entity that lives in his children’s closet, which preys on his family and drives him to the brink of madness.
- “Gray Matter“
- Description: A man and his son visit a local bar and discover a regular patron who has been grotesquely transformed by a mysterious substance, leading to a night of horror and revelation.
- “Battleground“
- Description: A hitman receives a package containing toy soldiers, which come to life and seek vengeance against him in a surreal, violent confrontation.
- “Trucks“
- Description: Vehicles in a small town suddenly become sentient and aggressive, leading to a chaotic and deadly confrontation as the townspeople struggle to survive.
- “Sometimes They Come Back“
- Description: A man faces the return of supernatural entities from his past who torment him and his family, forcing him to confront his darkest fears and unresolved trauma.
- “The Ledge”
- Description: A man is forced to walk along a narrow ledge of a skyscraper as part of a deadly bet, facing his fears of heights and the chilling consequences of failure.
- “The Other Side of the Fog”
- Description: In a foggy, otherworldly setting, a man encounters disturbing and surreal phenomena that challenge his perception of reality and his sanity.
- “The Mist“
- Description: Residents of a small town are trapped in a supermarket by a mysterious mist filled with monstrous creatures, leading to a tense struggle for survival.
- “The Jar”
- Description: A man purchases a strange, disturbing jar from an antique shop, which contains a sinister and supernatural presence that alters his life in unexpected ways.
- “The Word Processor of the Gods“
- Description: A writer discovers a magical word processor that can alter reality, leading to unforeseen and dangerous consequences as he tries to use it for personal gain.
- “The Woman in the Room“
- Description: A man faces a moral dilemma when he is asked to help his terminally ill mother die with dignity, exploring themes of euthanasia and familial duty.
- “The Children of the Corn“
- Description: A couple driving through rural America encounters a town where children have formed a cult, worshiping a mysterious entity and engaging in violent rituals.
- “The Lawnmower Man“
- Description: A man hires a landscaper who performs gruesome tasks with a supernatural twist, leading to a horrifying realization about the true nature of his work.
- “The Boogeyman“
- Description: (Repeated) A man recounts his encounters with a supernatural creature lurking in his children’s closet, leading to tragic consequences.
- “The Cycle of the Werewolf”
- Description: (Omitted) A story about a town plagued by a series of brutal murders that coincide with the full moon, revealing the existence of a werewolf.
- “The Man Who Loved Flowers“
- Description: A psychological horror about a man who appears to have a deep affection for flowers but hides a dark and sinister motive behind his seemingly benign behavior.
Night Shift is a testament to Stephen King’s skill in crafting compelling, eerie stories that explore a range of fears and supernatural phenomena.
Here’s where you can find Night Shift both as a book and film:
Book:
- Amazon: Available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book formats.
- Barnes & Noble: Offers the book in physical and digital formats.
- Books-A-Million: Carries the collection in various editions.
- Local Bookstores: Check with independent bookstores or major chains.
- eBay: You might find used or rare editions here.
Film:
“The Mangler” (1995)
- Amazon: Available for purchase or rental in DVD and Blu-ray formats.
- eBay: Often has used copies available.
- Streaming Services: May be available for rental or purchase on platforms like Google Play and iTunes.
“Trucks” (1997)
- Amazon: Available on DVD.
- eBay: Look for used copies.
- Streaming Services: Check platforms like Google Play or iTunes for rental or purchase options.
“The Lawnmower Man” (1992)
- Amazon: Available in DVD, Blu-ray, and digital formats.
- eBay: May have used copies.
- Streaming Services: Available for rental or purchase on platforms like Google Play and iTunes.
“Sometimes They Come Back” (1991)
- Amazon: Available on DVD.
- eBay: Look for used copies.
- Streaming Services: Availability may vary; check platforms like Google Play or iTunes for rental or purchase options.
“The Boogeyman” (2024)
- Amazon: Available on DVD.
- eBay: Look for used copies.
- Streaming Services: Availability may vary; check platforms like Google Play or iTunes.
For the most current availability and pricing, it’s a good idea to check these sites or visit local retailers.
Several stories from Stephen King’s Night Shift collection have been adapted into films or television episodes. Here’s a rundown:
Film and TV Adaptations:
- “The Mangler” (1995)
- Description: Directed by Tobe Hooper, this film is based on the short story “The Mangler.” It revolves around a haunted laundry machine that starts killing people.
- Details: Known for its unique and unsettling premise, the film has gained a cult following.
- “Trucks” (1997)
- Description: This television movie is based on the story “Trucks.” It features a scenario where vehicles become sentient and attack humans.
- Details: The adaptation captures the story’s eerie concept of machines turning against their operators.
- “The Lawnmower Man” (1992)
- Description: Loosely inspired by King’s short story of the same name, this film explores themes of virtual reality and transformation.
- Details: While not a direct adaptation, it draws on the premise of the original story, with significant deviations.
- “Sometimes They Come Back” (1991)
- Description: A TV movie based on King’s short story of the same name. It follows a high school teacher who confronts the ghosts of his past.
- Details: This adaptation retains the eerie and supernatural elements of the original story.
- “The Boogeyman” (2024)
- Description: A TV adaptation of King’s short story “The Boogeyman.” It delves into the terror of a hidden, malevolent force in a closet.
- Details: The adaptation maintains the suspense and horror of the original narrative.
Dollar Babies:
Some of the stories from Night Shift have also been adapted into Dollar Baby films, which are short films made by aspiring filmmakers who obtain rights to adapt King’s work. These adaptations are typically low-budget and not widely distributed but are an important part of the fan community. Specific Dollar Baby films based on Night Shift stories may not be as well-documented as major adaptations, but they are part of the larger collection of King’s Dollar Babies.
