COUNTY LIFE
Top horror movies, series polled
For many, Halloween is the most wonderful time of the year, giving them the perfect excuse to hide behind their sofas as they “watch” their favorite horror film or to indulge in a frightful TV series.
But which films and TV shows give which states the biggest frights?
Comparitech, compiled a list of the most popular movies and TV shows by state (based on what’s trending on IMDb for horror) to see what people are finding most spooktacular.
Some states are getting their frights from the latest horror offerings, some are heading into the past to give themselves the creeps, and others are prolonging the agony with lengthy series. In Texas the top movie was “The Conjuring.”
Some states are getting their scares close to home
There were a few states whose favorite movies were made in their own backyard. This includes:
- Illinois for Halloween (1978) – The original film movie from the Halloween series, Halloween introduces us to Michael Myers. After been committed to a mental institution for the murder of his 15-year-old sister (he was 6 years old at the time), Myers escapes after 15 years and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield in Illinois to continue his killing spree.
- Maine for It (2017) – A remake of the popular classic (derived from Stephen King’s novel of the same name), It is set in the small town of Derry, Maine. Here, a group of bullied kids gets together to try and destroy a monster that disguises itself as a clown and preys on children.
- New York for Sleepy Hollow (1999) – Even though Sleepy Hollow was filmed in North Carolina, it’s set in 1799 in the Dutch hamlet of Sleepy Hollow, near New York City. Police constable Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp) is sent to investigate the mysterious and brutal goings-on of the Headless Horseman.
- Massachusetts for The Witch (2015) – Set in New England in the 1600s, The Witch follows a family who encounters black magic, witchcraft, and possession in the woods just beyond their farm.
- Rhode Island for The Conjuring (2013) – Based on a true story, The Conjuring follows the story of paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, as they try to help exorcise the demons that are possessing the Perron family. And the scariest bit? While the film may seem far fetched, Lorraine herself was actually involved in the making of the film and maintains that she didn’t allow for any over-dramatization of the events.
- Colorado for The Shining (1980) – Although this film is based on Stephen King’s novel, King did experience the haunting effects of the real-life hotel in which the book and film are set. With numerous tales of hauntings, King and his wife stayed the night at the Stanley Hotel in room 217. It was there that King had a nightmare that his son was being chased through the hotel by a possessed fire hose. At the time, King was also battling alcoholism, thus forming the central character of his novel.
What’s clear, then, is that horror films based on true stories add to the popularity and fright factor for those living in the state in which they’re set.
Methodology
Using the top 90 films on IMDB’s list of horror movies that are most popular among IMDb users at present, we searched each film individually on Google Trends to find which state scored the highest. This was then the designated film for that state. If any state came up twice, we used the film that ranked higher on Google Trends. If a state didn’t appear top for any of the movies, we searched through all of the 90 films to see which was most popular in the state according to Google Trends.
Movies where no data was available on Google Trends or have only been released recently in cinemas were omitted (new titles released on streaming channels, i.e. Netflix, were not omitted).
COUNTY LIFE
Comic Book Day mini-convention planned
Enjoy a free comic book day mini-convention 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 4 at the Bowie Public Library in conjunction with Freakz & Geeks of Bowie.
There will be arts and crafts, comics, a costume contest, special guests, BTXFG exclusive swag give-aways, a video game high-score tournament, vendors and more.
Whether you’re a cosplayer ready to break out your costume, a gaming fanatic looking to throw down, or simply looking for a day of family-friendly fun and entertainment, there’s something for everyone at the Mini Con.
Don’t miss out – come join the festivities and support your local Freaky Geeky community.
COUNTY LIFE
Gold-Burg Bears earn spot at regionals with one-act play
Gold-Burg High School’s one-act play, “Interview,” advanced out of area competition Friday earning a place on the stage for regionals along with Slidell and Avery. Saint Jo received the alternate play.
The Bears will travel to Plano on April 26 for regional 1A University Interscholastic League competition, the last stop before state. Director Linda Fitzner said she will provide additional details on times and locations as soon as they are released to her.
Corbin Gilbert received All-Star cast, Arin Turner and Levi Hellinger, received honorable mention All-Star cast and Lexie Eat received the outstanding sound award. Fitzner said she is so “Proud of our Bears.”
Read the full story that includes results for Saint Jo and Bowie in the mid-week Bowie News.
Pictured above: Gold-Burg High School’s cast and crew of its one-act play at area. (Courtesy photo)
COUNTY LIFE
First ever ‘Rhymin’ at the Justin coming April 26
Officials with the Nocona Chamber of Commerce, Nocona VFW and LG Lemons Art Gallery are happy to announce the first ever poetry, prose, and tall tales event called “Rhymin’ at the Justin.”
The presentations are scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 26 at the H.J. Justin Community Room at 100 Clay in downtown Nocona. Area writers such as David Smith from Waxahachie and others from as far away as Cache and Duncan, OK, Decatur, and Wichita Falls who have a passion for “wordsmithing” will read or recite some of their original material.
The event is free to the public. Table seating will be available for all and you may bring your own dinner and drinks, if you wish. No glass bottles, please. Call or text Larry G Lemons at 940-366-5782, if you need more information.
This new event joins the popular musical jam welcoming area musicians the last Saturday of each month.
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