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Geoffrey Bayldon, Carl Bernard, Martin Boddey, Joan Collins, Peter Cushing ... see more see more... , Hugo de Vernier , Susan Denny , Roy Dotrice , Clifford Earl , Edward Evans , Chloe Franks , Angie Grant , Richard Greene , Ian Hendry , Ernest Jennings , Harry Locke , Oliver MacGreevy , Patrick Magee , David Markham , Barbara Murray , Robin Phillips , Ralph Richardson , Ann Sears , Hedger Wallace , Robert Hutton , Nigel Patrick , Frank Forsyth , John Barrard , George Herbert , John Louis Mansi , Tony Wall , Manning Wilson , Peter Thomas

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 serie... read more read more...s. 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

Flixster Users

69% liked it

3,831 ratings

Critics

89% liked it

9 critics

PG, 1 hr. 32 min.

Directed by: Freddie Francis

Release Date: March 8, 1972

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DVD Release Date: September 11, 2007

Stats: 270 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (270)

  • bbcfloridabound
    September 23, 2011
    bbcfloridabound
    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... read more them. Great Drive -Inn Swill. 3 1/2 stars.
  • phubbs1
    August 28, 2011
    phubbs1
    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... read more 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.
  • fb100000040220993
    March 17, 2011
    fb100000040220993
    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. ... read moreSome 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.
  • FilmFanatik
    January 20, 2011
    FilmFanatik
    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.
  • ajv2688
    December 29, 2010
    ajv2688
    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.
  • flixsterman
    December 19, 2009
    flixsterman
    A cool collection of macabre tales with a little something for everyone. Zombies, skeletons on motorcycles, Joan Collins, etc., etc., etc...
  • ScoopOnline
    December 11, 2009
    ScoopOnline
    I took Tales from the Crypt as Horror. Tales from the Crypt trilogy is funny for me. Good for some LOLs
  • fb511192930
    November 15, 2011
    fb511192930
    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 ha... read moreve a heavy 70's style to them (damn those leopard print carpets).
  • jk2two
    July 30, 2011
    jk2two
    This horror anthology lent its name to an HBO series and is therefore instantly recognizable. Five people are given visions of their own deaths which take the form of 5 shorts. Joan Collins stars in the first one which is Christmas themed and rather lackluster, the second short i... read mores brief with a fairly good scare in the end. The third has an incredible performance by Peter Cushing as a tender-hearted widower who is targetted by his neighbor. This third sequence is easily the film's strongest thanks to Cushing and a nice makeup job in the climax. The fourth short is a take on the old short story, "The Monkey's Paw" and it seems somewhat aimless in it's execution. Patrick Magee gives a sympathetic and dramatic performance as a blind man in the final segment about a greedy super intendent at a home for the blind. This last segment is engaging, if a bit long, with an elaborate ending. Ultimately Tales from the Crypt is a mixed bag of shorts with an interesting premise tying everything together. Three out of five of the shorts are worthwhile which makes this anthology worth it for the most part, though only the third segment stands out as anything special.
  • antwanleeroyphillips23
    February 9, 2010
    antwanleeroyphillips23
    tales from the crypt this a great old hammer horror film before there was the TV series tales from the crypt there was the movie the movie is very graphic for it's time the movie is graphic for It's PG rating I'm surprised it wasn't rated R the movie was so scary it scared when ... read moreI was young and the ending you will never forget and which the crypt keeper says "who's next maybe you!!!!"

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Critic Reviews

Lucius Gore
August 12, 2008
Lucius Gore, ESplatter

This film cannot be recommended enough. Full Review

Stefan Birgir Stefansson
January 29, 2008
Stefan Birgir Stefansson, sbs.is

A great anthology film with a grand performance by Peter Cushing.

Dennis Schwartz
April 22, 2006
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Schlock dressed up with fine acting is still schlock. Full Review

Eric Henderson
April 20, 2005
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine

Subtly disconcerting. Full Review

Bob Bloom
September 21, 2004
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
June 10, 2004
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
March 4, 2003
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum

Atmospheric and chilling little tale(s) of terror.

Vincent Canby
May 9, 2005
Vincent Canby, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Emanuel Levy
August 17, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

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Tales from the Crypt Trivia

  • Who plays ''the collector'' in the movie tales from the crypt: DEMON KNIGHT...  Answer »
  • In what movie did Billy Zane hunt for a blood-filled key' which would cause eternal darkness to fall over the world?   Answer »
  • What actor/actress links The Lost Boys, License To Drive, Gremlins, Dream A Little Dream, and Tales From The Crypt: Bordello of Blood?  Answer »
  • In the final scene from the movie 'Tales From The Crypt', the maze was lined with what?  Answer »
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