When author Ben Mears (David Soul) returns to his New England hometown of Salem's Lot to write his new book, he becomes disturbed by the behavior of the townspeople, particularly new resident and antiques dealer Mr. Straker (James Mason). After Straker's partner, the vampire Mr. Barlow, arrives in Salem's Lot, he soon begins to convert the townsfolk into an army of the undead. Tobe Hooper directs this story based on Stephen King's novel.