Why HALLOWEEN 1978 Is An Enduring Classic

On October 25th, 1978, a film would continue the tradition of the supernatural movie monster all the while ushering in a new era in horror with the slasher film.
Although "Psycho" did it in much earlier in 1960 and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" showed up in 1974 with it's chainsaw wielding maniac Leatherface, the Halloween franchise was one of the most successful independent (at the time) horror films of all time. The success paved the way for the countless slasher films of The '80's and left the Universal Monsters era into the golden past of movie horror.
I've always considered "Psycho" the granddaddy of the slasher and it's always been fitting that Jamie Lee Curtis was the final girl in Halloween, being the daughter of Janet Leigh...star of "Psycho." I always loved that connection, but putting that aside Jamie Lee Curtis was (and is) a fantastic actress and gave a performance that will stand time.
The character of Doctor Loomis, played by celebrated actor Donald Pleasence, brought a familiar Van Helsing vibe to the film. The role was originally offered to Hammer titans Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, who declined the role. But accepting the role put Mr. Pleasence in their league.
The 1978 film is now an undisputed classic, thanks to its ongoing longevity. The sequels have played loose with the mythos, even to this day with the current sequel, ignoring everything except the first film. For however long this franchise continues, that original film will always be the starting point. The ONLY constant in the story.
It is the bridge between old school horror and new. It has all the elements of the classic era all the while still relevant to young horror fans. The score is etched into everyone, even those who haven't seen the film. Michael Myers masks adorn halloween shops every year.
Let's celebrate the legacy of this monumental film..."Halloween" 1978.