SPANISH FORT, Ala.—From Birmingham to Montgomery and Pensacola to North Carolina, horror-film enthusiasts descended on the Eastern Shore in record numbers last weekend for a glimpse of “The Shape,” known as Michael Myers.

Seventeen-year-old Courtney Green of Daphne was one of the first of nearly 200 people through the doors of Premiere Cinemas Friday for an 11:30 p.m. screening of John Carpenter’s cult classic, “Halloween.”

Tony Moran, who played the 1978 film’s iconic, silent slasher, joined original cast member Brian Andrews, who played Tommy Doyle, for a two-day stint of autograph and question-and-answer sessions. The two signed autographs until 1:30 a.m. Friday.

“They talked about what it was like working with John Carpenter and being part of something that started so small and just took on a life of its own. It was just amazing,” said Green, who aspires to become an independent filmmaker.

“I just had to know what it was like to look into the face of ‘pure evil,’” said Kenneth Hardy of Pensacola, quoting actor Donald Pleasence’s characterization — as Dr. Sam Loomis — of the knife-wielding, escaped mental patient Myers.

Will Sanders, director of Premiere Cinema in Spanish Fort’s Eastern Shore Centre, organized the fanfare in cooperation with Fairhope’s Nightmare Chambers and Slow Fade Studio.

“The event was a great success for everybody, but more important it was fun for everyone including the celebrities. They absolutely loved the area and everyone they met. Brian Andrews was asking when he could come back,” Sanders said.

The highlight of the weekend, however, seemed to be a performance by members of Susan’s Dance Academy in Daphne of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

“It was so good everyone demanded an encore, which was even more fright-tastic than the first,” Sanders said.

Turnout exceeded expectations, he said, noting the late-night screening drew 163 viewers — the largest take of any screen all evening — and an additional 30 people who sought only autographs.

Haunted Chambers drew 700 visitors Friday and more than 1,000 Saturday. Considering the event’s success, horror aficionado Sanders said local residents can expect future collaborations.

“Both Nightmare Chambers and Slow Fade Studio are so supportive of our events, and we are the same about them. We all feel a duty to give something to the community and to help local charities. Being that we have those common goals and ambitions — as well as entertaining people — I am almost positive that we will have many future projects together,” Sanders said.

“At the end of Saturday night, Nightmare Chambers co-organizer Rob Woodruff asked me who we’re going to bring out next year.”

After polling attendees, Sanders said the crowd favorite for next year appears to be Robert Englund of Freddy Kreuger fame.

“It is possible,” Sanders said, noting Englund has appeared at the famous Atrox Factory haunt in Leeds, Ala., outside Birmingham.