Local filmmaker Spencer Sherry introduces “The Monkey”, a short film based on Stephen King’s short story.

Sherry was 25 years old when he wrote a screenplay based on the short story from novel Skeleton Crew. Three years later, he shares this first-ever film adaptation.

The plot: “After a near-fatal accident, soon-to-be father Pete Shelburn begins to suspect that his past has come back to haunt him. With his own father at death’s door and his brother refusing to make amends with him, he’s forced to save his family by confronting a nightmare from his childhood: a cursed cymbal-clapping toy monkey.”

Some familiar Capital Region and Saratoga County sights appear including a scene at King’s Tavern.

This short film is part of the Dollar Baby Program, King’s philanthropic initiative started in the 1970s to help film students and aspiring filmmakers get a start in the industry.

Once approved by the author, recipients receive the rights to make a film based on King’s chosen list of short stories at the cost of just $1.