Tobe was an up-and-coming Horror director after the success of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, filmed around here in Austin. He then went on to do the TV movie of Salem’s Lot for CBS and the controversial Poltergeist. By now you’ve probably heard that the movie may have really been directed by Spielberg because Hooper lacked the talent and/or he was cover for Spielberg to get around the exclusivity clause in making ET. Then came one of Billy Idol’s more memorable music videos. The last big deal movie I recall him doing was Lifeforce. Afterwards it was bits and pieces on TV series, especially if they had a Horror element: Tales From the Crypt, Freddy’s Nightmares and Amazing Stories.
Thanks for the scares Tobe. I will always remember how grossed out I got from the bathroom scene in Poltergeist.