MovieChat Forums > The Norliss Tapes (1973) Discussion > Stunning Scenery in The Norliss Tapes

Stunning Scenery in The Norliss Tapes

posted 15 years ago by eolloe
9 replies | jump to latest

I watched The Norliss Tapes as a kid during its original broadcast in the early 1970's. It really frightened me -- I had nightmares of the zombie and the demon Sargoth coming after me for years after that.

I've been carrying images of the film around in my head for over 35 years now, and hoping to have another chance to view the film, yet not knowing the name of it, or even whether it was a stand-alone made-for-tv film or an episode in a tv series like the Night Gallery. I finally got the chance to view it again the other day, on dvd, and realized this was the one.

Apart from the horror, the scenery in the film made a tremendous impression on me. For example, the scenes of San Francisco bay from the restaurant in the skyscraper and from the publisher's high-floor office. The vistas overlooking the water from Norliss' home, with the floor-to-ceiling windows on several walls. The views of those windows with the rain cascading down them. The scenes of Norliss' gorgeous car flying along the ocean edge, and then of it careening through the woods.

I think the only scenes I can remember ever seeing on film that have come close to rivaling that particular beauty of Norliss' home and his car driving along the coast were the scenes in Basic Instinct, which, no surprise, were set in the general location.

[–] Boliwill 15 years ago

I agree,your post is spot on,I too first saw this movie on t.v back in the 70s,one really creepy good film!

[–] andrewsk8s 14 years ago

Does anybody remember the name of the restaurant on the skyscraper in SF? I think it was in the red granite Bank of America building. Spectacular view (esp at night), mediocre, over-priced food.

[–] Boliwill 14 years ago

This movie will air again today on Fox movie ch in about 15 min,I will try and spot the name on the building you are posting about.

[–] Boliwill 14 years ago

I just saw the Norliss Tapes again,and I did see the hi-rise eating place you posted about,however I did not see or here the name of it,sorry I guess a local would know....I must be getting too old to be afraid because this movie did not scare me as much as it once did,even far less then the last time i watched it,and that was about 7 or 8 years ago I think.

[–] mtnoboe 13 years ago

I think the restaurant is the Carnelian Room, on the top floor of 555 California St. (formerly Bank of America Center).

[–] hawk-58 10 years ago

The Carnelian Room closed, alas, a couple of years ago. The food was excellent, always! There was also the Bankers' Club a floor down that served lunch, great food as well. Unfortunately, most of the old-fashioned "Continental"-style restaurants that ruled San Francisco for so many years have closed down. That type of food is no longer popular with the younger set. Fortunately, it is still to be found in Vegas for those of us who remember the Good Old Days.

[–] hawk-58 10 years ago

eolloe, I agree that the Northern California scenery in this movie is gorgeous and adds immeasurably to one's enjoyment. However, the truly gorgeous sight - 70's wardrobe and all - is the exceedingly fine Roy Thinnes! Remake? Who could fill his shoes? Depp, maybe. But Roy is the ultimate eye candy. Thank goodness for the DVD.

[–] Cultfilmfeverforever 9 years ago

The DVD is excellent. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous. I love how dark and atmospheric this film is. Gives me chill bumps. One to watch over and over and not stop loving the journey it takes you on.

[–] ccorraliza 8 years ago

I recall seeing it on television a few years ago and yes the beautiful scenery is memorable.