Night of the Living Dead Trivia- Bosco Syrup

Nestled just south of the small town of Evans City, Pennsylvania, lies a cemetery steeped in cinematic history. Evans City Cemetery, known primarily as the filming location for the iconic 1968 horror film Night of the Living Dead, boasts a unique and eerie charm. As you drive down Pioneer Road, which transforms into Franklin Road, the turn-off to the cemetery emerges through a canopy of trees, setting the mood for a chilling exploration.

The Cemetery: A Creepy Atmosphere

While Evans City Cemetery may not feature the extravagant statues typical of Gothic graveyards, its isolation contributes to a palpable sense of creepiness. The quiet stillness, coupled with the rustling of leaves, makes it an ideal place to reflect on the groundbreaking film that put zombies on the map.

Night of the Living Dead, directed by George Romero, revolutionized the horror genre and introduced audiences to reanimated corpses that feast on the flesh of the living. Although they were referred to as “ghouls” in the film, it was Romero's vision that ultimately birthed the modern concept of zombies, giving rise to countless stories and box office successes that followed.

Paying Homage to Bosco Syrup

During my visit, I took a moment to pay homage to an unexpected yet integral part of Night of the Living Dead—Bosco Chocolate Syrup. This unassuming product was cleverly utilized as fake blood in some of the film's most gruesome scenes. The infamous blood seen splattering across the screen was none other than Bosco, which created the perfect dark brown color and viscosity to resemble real blood.

In a nod to the creativity of Romero and his team, I reflected on how the film’s gruesome imagery was achieved on a shoestring budget. The hand hacked apart in the kitchen scene was actually made of clay, with the chocolate syrup serving as the blood. In another memorable scene, zombies were depicted feasting on ham donated by a local butcher, covered in Bosco syrup. This clever choice not only enhanced the film's realism but also showcased the ingenuity that marked Romero’s filmmaking style.

The Legacy of Night of the Living Dead

Romero's film was a low-budget endeavor, made possible by the contributions of ten associates who formed Image Ten. The initial funding of $6,000 grew to $114,000, as more supporters came forward. However, upon completion, major studios hesitated to distribute the film due to its explicit content. It was only after selling it at a bargain price to the Walter Reade Organization that Night of the Living Dead found its way to theaters, ultimately becoming a box office sensation, grossing over $45 million.

                                                                                                                                           Bosco Syrup being applied on set

Bosco Syrup has since become a staple in cinema, making appearances in other films, including Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho and Bruce Willis’s A Good Day to Die Hard. Its versatility as a faux blood substitute continues to capture the imagination of filmmakers.

Conclusion

Visiting Evans City Cemetery was more than just a pilgrimage to a historical site; it was a celebration of the innovative spirit of horror filmmaking that Night of the Living Dead embodies. As I stood in the cemetery, surrounded by the whispers of the past, I felt a deep appreciation for the filmmakers who transformed ordinary items, like Bosco Chocolate Syrup, into tools of terror.

For anyone interested in horror history, a visit to Evans City Cemetery is a must. Whether you’re a fan of Romero’s work or simply intrigued by the intersection of food and film, paying homage to the creative genius behind Night of the Living Dead and the iconic Bosco syrup is an experience you won’t soon forget.