Tales from the Crypt (1972)
-
86% of critics liked it
(14 reviews) -
70% of users liked it
(3,957 ratings)
The phenomenon of Tales from the Crypt seems to have no endings, only changes. This successful pun-filled style of presenting ironic horror tales had its beginnings in William Gaine's E.C. comic series. At one time, outlandish E.C. Comics were at the heart of a national furor over the… More The phenomenon of Tales from the Crypt seems to have no endings, only changes. This successful pun-filled style of presenting ironic horror tales had its beginnings in William Gaine's E.C. comic series. At one time, outlandish E.C. Comics were at the heart of a national furor over the "evils" of comic books, which were thought to lead to moral degeneracy. The big comic-book publishers were frightened into freezing E.C. out of their distribution network, which killed the business. This British movie was based on the Tales from the Crypt series, which spawned several subsequent movies (and many imitators), at least one television series, and a whole new wave of comic books. Released in 1972, this movie has five episodes based on Gaines' stories, each introduced by Sir Ralph Richardson as the eerily cheery Crypt Keeper. His comedic approach to the role was misunderstood at the time, as reviewers expected a more solemn approach to horror. In "All Through the House," Santa Claus is someone to avoid. In "Reflection of Death" it takes some people a while to realize the truth about themselves. In "Poetic Justice" death cannot prevent one man's revenge. The episode "Blind Alley" demonstrates a new use for razor blades. "Wish You Were Here" cautions against taking native artifacts lightly (among other things). Among the stars featured are Peter Cushing, Joan Collins and Patrick Magee. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi
- Directed By
- Freddie Francis
- Written By
- Milton Subotsky
- Genres
- Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Classics
PG,
- In Theaters
- Mar 8, 1972 Wide
Critic Reviews
-
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
This British production looks handsome enough under Freddie Francis's direction, and for those who say they'd watch Ralph Richardson in anything, well, here's your chance.
-
Vincent Canby, New York Times
Unfortunately, the only style exhibited by Freddie Francis, who directed the film, and Milton Subotsky, who wrote it, is in their dumb appreciation for ancient plot devices, and especially in their high-handedness with other people's stories.
-
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
It's put together something like the comic books, with the old Crypt Keeper acting as host and narrator. In the movie version, he is played with suitable ham by Ralph Richardson.
-
Kim Newman, Empire Magazine
Imaginative and solidly performed ensemble horror.
-
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Of the five tales "Poetic Justice" and "Blind Alleys" are the standouts.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Cast
-
Geoffrey Bayldon
as Guide
-
Carl Bernard
as [Blind Alleys]
-
Martin Boddey
as Clayton
-
Joan Collins
as Joanne Clayton
-
Peter Cushing
as Grimsdyke
-
Hugo de Vernier
as [Blind Alleys]
-
Susan Denny
as Mrs. Maitland
-
Roy Dotrice
as Charles Gregory
-
Clifford Earl
as Police Sergeant [Poetic Justice]
-
Edward Evans
as Mr. Ramsay [Poetic Justice]
-
Chloe Franks
as Daughter
-
Angie Grant
as Susan
-
Richard Greene
as Ralph Jason
-
Ian Hendry
as Carl Maitland
-
Ernest Jennings
as [Blind Alleys]
-
Harry Locke
as Cook
-
Oliver MacGreevy
as Maniac
-
Patrick Magee
as George Carter
-
David Markham
as Father
-
Barbara Murray
as Enid Jason
-
Robin Phillips
as James Elliott
-
Ralph Richardson
as Crypt Keeper
-
Ann Sears
as Mrs. Carter [Poetic Justice]
-
Hedger Wallace
as Detective [Wish You Were Here]
-
Robert Hutton
as Neighbour
-
Nigel Patrick
as William Rogers
-
Frank Forsyth
as Tramp [Reflection Of Death]
-
John Barrard
as [Blind Alleys]
-
George Herbert
as Old Blind Man [Blind Alleys]
-
John Louis Mansi
as Other Blind Men [Blind Alleys]
-
Tony Wall
as Attendant [Blind Alleys]
-
Manning Wilson
as Vicar [Poetic Justice]
-
Peter Thomas
as Pallbearer [Wish You Were Here]
