Tales from the Crypt (1972)
- Director(s):
- Freddie Francis
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG
Synopsis of Tales from the Crypt
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
Complete Cast of Tales from the Crypt
- Joan Collins - Joanne Clayton
- Patrick Magee - George Carter
- Robin Phillips - James Elliott
- Hedger Wallace - Detective [Wish You Were Here]
- Nigel Patrick - William Rogers
- John Barrard - [Blind Alleys]
- Louis Mansi - Other Blind Men [Blind Alleys]
- Manning Wilson - Vicar [Poetic Justice]
- Geoffrey Bayldon - Guide
- Martin Boddey - Clayton
- Susan Denny - Mrs. Maitland
- Clifford Earl - Police Sergeant [Poetic Justice]
- Chloe Franks - Daughter
- Richard Greene - Ralph Jason
- Ernest Jennings - [Blind Alleys]
- Oliver Macgreevy - Maniac
- Barbara Murray - Enid Jason
- Peter Cushing - Grimsdyke
- Ralph Richardson - Crypt Keeper
- Ann Sears - Mrs. Carter [Poetic Justice]
- Robert Hutton - Neighbour
- Frank Forsyth - Tramp [Reflection Of Death]
- George Herbert - Old Blind Man [Blind Alleys]
- Tony Wall - Attendant [Blind Alleys]
- Peter Thomas - Pallbearer [Wish You Were Here]
- Carl Bernard - [Blind Alleys]
- Hugo de Vernier - [Blind Alleys]
- Roy Dotrice - Charles Gregory
- Edward Evans - Mr. Ramsay [Poetic Justice]
- Angie Grant - Susan
- Ian Hendry - Carl Maitland
- Harry Locke - Cook
- David Markham - Father
- Director(s):
- Freddie Francis
- Writer(s):
- Milton Subotsky
- Producer(s):
- Max Rosenberg, Milton Subotsky
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG(Violence, Questionable for Children)
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