MovieChat Forums > The Midnight Hour (1985) Discussion > I remembered the ending of this movie al...

I remembered the ending of this movie all my life (spoilers)

posted 12 years ago by mikereilly_1999
9 replies | jump to latest

I was a teenager in 1985 and saw this movie on TV, even taped it and had it for a while, then recently rediscovered it and saw it again last night. While some parts were fun and/or memorable, I don't think it would have made the lasting impact that it did if not for Phil and Sandy's relationship, which was the foundation of the story.

Even after 26 years (interesting bit of trivia; Sandy's character died in 1959, according to her tombstone, which was 26 years before the events in the film took place) I never forgot the sad ending in which Phil and Sandy send the dead back to their graves... and Phil then realizes that the departed Sandy was one of them all along. The scene where he sadly looks at her gravestone, sees and touches the lipstick on it outlining their initials, and understands what he's lost has been far more haunting to me than any of the creatures depicted in this movie (crazy as it sounds, Phil's closing line "Love you too Sandy," has had me depressed all day). More so today than when I saw this movie for the first time, perhaps because it's not just Sandy's character that is gone but that entire era as well (and it's even hard to find any relevant discussion or reviews today of this movie, except on this site). Most of the actors involved with this movie are no longer in the business, including the two who played Phil and Sandy. 1985 seems a long long time ago to an old fossil like me.

I guess unhappy endings stay with you longer than happy ones, but I always wanted a sequel in which Phil somehow finds a way to bring Sandy - only her - back to life again permanently amidst a new series of events, but clearly that would undo the poignant finish of this movie. Such is the tragedy of death and the lost opportunities and missed loved ones that it brings.

[–] Injinn 12 years ago

I do agree that the Phil and Sandy subplot was what made the movie so enduring. Other than that, there wasn't too much to distinguish The Midnight Hour from other teen movies of the era.

I used to see the ending as very tragic, as well.

However, I'm not sure if age has changed my perspective, or what exactly. In any case, I don't see it that way anymore.

Every time I watch the movie now, I focus on one of the last scenes - the one of Phil sitting in his car, listening to the song that Sandy chose for him. Phil listens, and all the while has a smile on his face. When I see that now, I don't see it as a tragedy; I see it as Phil having just experienced something that most are not lucky enough to experience. Yes, Phil had a big crush on Mary, but that was a pretty one-sided (on Phil's part), unrequited crush. What he experienced with Sandy, in just one night, was much bigger. Sandy came back to experience her first love - something she didn't get to do in life. In turn, she gave Phil his. In just that one night, Sandy left a mark that will probably never go away for Phil. She helped Phil come out of his shell quite a bit, gave him confidence, encouraged him to loosen up (this is awesomely displayed - for me - when Phil, while listening to the song, puts the top down on the car before driving away from the cemetery at the end. As Sandy said, "What are you doing with the top up on a night like this?")

The song (Barbara Lewis - Baby I'm Yours) pretty much says it all; Sandy is going to be a part of Phil forever. From the look on his face, I think he realized that, too. Most people eventually lose their first love, but the vast majority lose them to other people, or the relationship just runs its course and it's over; that will never happen with Sandy and Phil. In my opinion, that makes Phil pretty damn lucky.

Honestly, I wouldn't have minded a sequel. God knows there were hints that the events of the movie weren't an isolated incident. (Some of Sandy's comments, and the fact that she knew so much about the rituals used to bring the dead back, suggest maybe she and her friends did the same thing that Phil & his friends did back in her high school days. It might even have been what caused her death.) But I don't see how a sequel is needed.

I wouldn't mind seeing a prequel; something that could explain those subtle hints that Sandy gave.

In any case, yes, Phil and Sandy, in my opinion, are 100% responsible for making The Midnight Hour into a film that has continued to have life some 26 years later. There are tons of movies that are all but forgotten, whereas this one still has a cult following. That is nothing to dismiss. Jonna Lee and Lee Montgomery deserve praise for playing the roles earnestly. Though neither decided to continue in the business much past this movie, I'm glad they crossed paths long enough to make it. It remains one of my favorites.

If you've heard of it, it's already too mainstream for me.

[–] mikereilly_1999 12 years ago

A great reply with very valid points - the ending of the film does bring to mind that line about it being better to have loved and lost than not at all. Sandy's dedication of the song to Phil does give the viewer some hope (it would've been a lot sadder without that element) as it shows that, even though the effects of the dead rising were undone (as witnessed by the convertible top and Phil's outfit no longer being torn) the love story element still remained. Thanks!

[–] painterjane25 12 years ago

100% agree. Saw this movie at 9 years old, and it still sticks with me. Phil and Sandy, it was such a touching end, for this campy, great, low-budget flick. Still try and watch it, once a year.

[–] balsho 12 years ago

I too loved it as a kid and then it was gone there for many years until they released it in the late 90s. As an adult watching it then for the first time in years I was initially not digging a lot of the cheesiness. Then those final moments with Phil and Sandy hit me hard, and any misgivings I had went away. When Sandy says goodbye to Phil and he doesn't really hear her is right up there with some of my other most favored powerful movie moments. With repeat viewings this just gets stronger, and simply does elevate the entire film to greatness. Very surprising from a low budget TV movie that aired basically once or very little.

It is a flawless mix of cheese, comedy, real scares, downright creepiness sometimes, and because of Phil and Sandy, heartfelt storytelling.

Bottom line, its the perfect halloween movie.

[–] Son_Of_A_Bitch_Must_Pay 11 years ago

Sandy died the same year the escaped loonie was killing people in Night Of The Creeps, anyone think she could have been one of his victims, they were both made in CA

You have the same scowl your mother had... When I banged her... After I pulled the plug.

[–] romanticinsomniac 10 years ago

Definitely The Perfect Halloween Movie. I Remember When TV Was This Good.It's Rare A Movie Has A Perfect Balance Of Everything.

[–] romanticinsomniac 10 years ago

You Summed Up The Way I Feel About This Movie As Well.I Loved It.

[–] PopperTheKungFu-Dragon 9 years ago

I don't think it would have made the lasting impact that it did if not for Phil and Sandy's relationship, which was the foundation of the story.

I agree. This and the soundtrack were the best things about the movie.

I also liked the cheesy dance sequence though.

Poorly Lived and Poorly Died, Poorly Buried and No One Cried

[–] aka-tus 8 years ago

i'm a relative newcomer to this movie, only having seen if for the first time a few years ago, but wow, what a great movie! (it has quickly become part of my required annual viewing at Halloween.) yes, it's silly and cheesy and campy, but the Phil and Sandy storyline elevates this film to greatness! so heartfelt and bittersweet, it really makes this film memorable! it also reminds me of the bygone era of my youth in the 80s, and every time i see this film, i wish i could go back to that time.

i would love to see this film get the same treatment as "Dark Night of the Scarecrow" with a restoration and blu-ray release, with cast and crew interviews. very much deserved!

will someone tell that mime to shut up?