George Romeroโs Dawn of the Dead premieres in Los Angeles in 1978. The second in Romeroโs Living Dead zombie series is a mocking of American consumerism and made with Italian horror director Dario Argentoโs assistance in financing, distribution and plot. Tom Savini makes his debut as a make-up effects artist. It remains the most profitable of the series and is remade in 2004.

This Day in Halloween: The second in George A. Romeroโs Living Dead zombie series "Dawn of the Dead" premieres in Los Angeles in 1978. / Illustration by Haley Underwood