Tales from the Crypt (1972)

89% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
69% of users liked it
(3,831 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 "evils" of… 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

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: Freddie Francis
Written By: Milton Subotsky
Genres: Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

In Theaters: Mar 8, 1972 Wide
On DVD: Sep 11, 2007

Critic Reviews

Lucius Gore, ESplatter
This film cannot be recommended enough.
Stefan Birgir Stefansson, sbs.is
A great anthology film with a grand performance by Peter Cushing.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Schlock dressed up with fine acting is still schlock.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
Subtly disconcerting.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
A fun anthology movie, helped along by an all-star cast and the direction of Freddy Francis. Much better than a lot of the horror anthologies that followed.
Luke Y. Thompson, New Times
Not as enjoyably over-the-top as the subsequent HBO series would be, but a decent British horror anthology.
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum
Atmospheric and chilling little tale(s) of terror.

Read all 7 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

This film came from the Midnite Movie Double Feature Collection, and I believe this is where Tales from the Crypt got its start. Five people are on tour of a catacomb when they become lost and sealed in a chamber, each one has a story that unfolds in front of them or is it behind… More
This film came from the Midnite Movie Double Feature Collection, and I believe this is where Tales from the Crypt got its start. Five people are on tour of a catacomb when they become lost and sealed in a chamber, each one has a story that unfolds in front of them or is it behind them. Great Drive -Inn Swill. 3 1/2 stars.
Phil H

Very old British horror anthology and the beginning of the 'Tales' movies based on the EC comic series. Five tales which have been retold now many times eg. 'The Simpsons' have their first appearance but don't really impress due to the age of the film. The… More
Very old British horror anthology and the beginning of the 'Tales' movies based on the EC comic series. Five tales which have been retold now many times eg. 'The Simpsons' have their first appearance but don't really impress due to the age of the film. The most memorable stories from this collection are easily 'Reflection of Death' where a man travelling in a car dreams he is gonna die in a car crash within the same car, 'Wish You Were Here' which is a neat little variation on the story 'The Monkey's Paw' by W.W.Jacobs and 'Poetic Justice' where some neighbours despise the old man next door so they try to get rid of him with unexpected results. Just like the modern films this film is also bookended by a wrap around tale which is quite good, a group of tourists viewing some catacombs get lost and find an old Crypt Keeper who tells them how they will die ;) kooky but fun. The tales by todays standards are very quaint, very old fashioned and not very scary in the least but they are enjoyable as soft horror yarns and with the inclusion of one or two big names like Cushing and Collins it does tick along nicely. Don't expect any great effects or even decent acting hehe but if you like the anthology concept with eerie tales then this is an interesting find.
Jason C

I love the demented storytelling of Tales from the Crypt. I think it's great how they normally end with some bastard suffering for eternity as a result of their soulless behavior. This film includes 5 solid tales from the comics. Be warned, this movie is nearly 40 years old.… More
I love the demented storytelling of Tales from the Crypt. I think it's great how they normally end with some bastard suffering for eternity as a result of their soulless behavior. This film includes 5 solid tales from the comics. Be warned, this movie is nearly 40 years old. Some of the scenes, especially the gore and makeup, suffer greatly due to age. If you can't suspend disbelief, you might be disappointed with this. The storytelling is absolutely top notch.
Tim S

An absolutely stellar horror film. One of the few that still creeps out to this day. Peter Cushing's Grimsdyke zombie is the greatest zombie in horror history. All of the stories in this collection are great and Freddie Francis doesn't disappoint.
AJ V

A very cool anthology horror movie, all the stories are good, I really liked this movie. If you like horror movies, you'll enjoy this one.
Randy T

A cool collection of macabre tales with a little something for everyone. Zombies, skeletons on motorcycles, Joan Collins, etc., etc., etc...
Wahida K

I took Tales from the Crypt as Horror. Tales from the Crypt trilogy is funny for me. Good for some LOLs
Greg A

What I want to mention the most is the story of Grimsdyke in this collection of scary stories, it is awful how this landowner treats this genuinely awesome old man yet there is such a good payoff all in all. I want to watch this movie again, the tales are timeless even if they have a… More
What I want to mention the most is the story of Grimsdyke in this collection of scary stories, it is awful how this landowner treats this genuinely awesome old man yet there is such a good payoff all in all. I want to watch this movie again, the tales are timeless even if they have a heavy 70's style to them (damn those leopard print carpets).

Read all 8 featured audience ratings

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]
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