Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) is an American science fiction horror film and the third in the Halloween series. Unlike its predecessors, this installment was written and directed by Tommy Lee Wallace, but the familiar faces of John Carpenter and Debra Hill remain as producers. Set in Northern California on October 23rd, we witness shop owner Harry Grimbridge being pursued by unknown men while holding a jack-o-lantern mask. He seeks refuge at Walter Jones’ shop, where he eventually passes out. Unfortunately, Harry is taken to a hospital where he later dies at the hands of another mysterious man in a suit who sets himself on fire. His daughter Ellie meets with Dr. Daniel Challis to discuss these strange events surrounding her father’s death. The two decide to investigate further by traveling to Santa Mira – home of the Silver Shamrock Novelties factory that produced the infamous mask used by Harry before his untimely demise.

While checking in at a motel, Daniel discovers that Harry had stayed there previously. Another guest, Marge Guttman, uncovers a microchip on one of the masks’ medallions. As she curiously pokes at it with a hairpin, the medallion emits a lethal energy beam into her mouth. Soon after, individuals in lab clothing arrive and transport Marge’s body away in a Silver Shamrock van. While touring the factory the next day, Daniel overhears technicians discussing a ‘misfire’ with factory owner Conal Cochran. Meanwhile, Ellie stumbles upon her father’s car, but is stopped by suited guards from getting too close to it. In an attempt to seek help from outside authorities, they flee the town but find that all phone lines are dead.