PHANTASMAG
QUEER HORROR HIDDEN GEM #2
FRIGHT NIGHT PART 2 (1988)
Words by Alex Secilmis
27 June 2024

Tommy Lee Wallace’s Fright Night Part 2 (1988) is the rare horror sequel that matches the original in quality but doesn’t simply rehash the hits. 

Now a college student, Charley has processed his monstrous misadventures in therapy and is convinced that vampires don’t exist. Naturally, the sequel rattles that belief pretty quickly. 

Its queer horror delights lie in Charley’s new adversaries: a vampire crew led by the theatrical Regine (another suave-but-scary antagonist played with panache by Julie Carmen). There’s also Belle: an androgynous black mute vampire brought to life in a wonderful physical performance by the late Russell Clark (scroll to see an epic kill on roller-skates). These stylish monsters enjoy dressing boldly and staging enigmatic dance routines. They wouldn’t be out of place at your local gay club. 

Sadly, Part 2 currently has no home video or streaming release due to rights issues. There’s a morbid reason: the film (along with a potential sequel) was left in limbo after the shake-up at New Century/Vista Film Corporation when its head of distribution, José Menéndez, was infamously murdered. Still, you’ll easily find a high quality bootleg on YouTube. The film’s been kept alive by its cult following, and we urge you to join it.