Tales From the Crypt (1972) Review & Analysis: Amicus Review Series

[thebrb30000]

BTW, that's a good point about the Santa Claus story in Tales. It's definitely a slasher, and IMO, definitely scarier than Black Christmas (1974). It doesn't get, really, ANY recognition in terms of the origin of cinema slashers, but this is clearly an early example of the genre.

[thebrb30000]

My third favorite anthology horror film after Creepshow and Cat's Eye. Tales (1972) scared the crap out of me when I was a kid. The second story where the guy sees his reflection at the end... man, that scared me! It's an excellent film.

I'm glad you're doing a series on Amicus, because I'm not as familiar with that company. Although I did see that the company has made a comeback recently, and I'm a big fan of Stuart Gordon's "Stuck," which is a newer release from Amicus.

[lawnboyspost1975]

Wow one of these movies I have actually seen! Great review, another one I'm gonna add to my (your fault) rapidly growing list of stuff to buy and watch! Cushings is the best for me!

[scscanlan]

Loved the review, especially because I've been on such a Tales kick lately. I went into the movie expecting to be disappointed and was pleasantly surprised.

Here's an interesting little article on horror anthologies I dug.

horror.about.com/od/horrormovi­esubgenres/a/anthologies.htm

[mmc78]

This was the movie that got me interested in Amicus films! I agree with you completely on the wrap around segments being week (especially compared with their other movies). I also agree with your assessment of the final segment. The set up seems just a little too elaborate, and I can see the creators of 'Saw' being influenced by it. Another great review!

[HorrorOfMike]

@mmc78 Yeah it just feels a little too contrived, but otherwise it's a brilliant entry in the series. I just watched the trailer again and it actually spoils most of the best 'shock' scenes of the film. It really annoys me when trailers do that (even though it was actually well put together).

[Angerlevel]

The Wish you were here segment was a dark comedy to me. The whole idea of the ending actually made me giggle a little because of the predicament the guy was in.

You're right on the christmas story, it's from an Issue of Vault of horror. It's issue #35 with art by Johnny Craig.

Overall, enjoyed the hell out of the film. I have to skip the segment with Peter Cushing because, like you said, it's hard to watch such a sympathetic character be treated in such a way.

[23penguins32]

I have seen this one. For me the storyline with Peter Cushing (as with most of these that I've seen) rings the most strongly. The strongest lasting impression oddly enough is a friend of mine admitting so many years ago that he had a sexual strangulation fantasy of Joan Collins' character due to this film. I don't, though one could argue her later career on American telly... I like this one, but it seems to peak early. I'm not sure what the director/producers were thinking. It's meant to be...

[23penguins32]

@23penguins32 ...it's almost a crime that they didn't let Cushing just do the entire film. He could have done. He's so virtually unknown in the States that it's criminal. Too bad. And his best mate Lee is the same way, such a brilliant actor that it's a shame to think that both are known 'here' as their roles in Star Wars only(I think those are very good-no problem). Cushing, and Lee, I think deserved such a bigger audience. Maybe the realisation of these films can bring that ? One can hope.

[badhead]

your right. Peter Cushing's acting is heart breaking. The scene when he reads the cards is some of the best acting I have ever seen.

[IceCreamSuit]

@badhead Interesting that Cushing was so effective in the role as he had just lost his wife recently and by all accounts was grief stricken for quite some time afterwards. He really threw himself into work, maybe because it offered a distraction from the pain. He was in a LOT of films in the early 70s.

[videotitan1]

Stephen King's Creepshow is a good compilation of short horror stories. I think its from 1982.

[HorrorOfMike]

@videotitan1 Yeah it's one of my favourite. It's directed by George Romero as well. Shame it never became the franchise they wanted it to ( there is a Creepshow 2 and an unofficial third film, but nothing compared to the first movie). Thanks for taking the time to comment man :)