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Orin Cannon, George Gaynes, Gregory Harrison, John Karlen, James Storm ... see more see more... , Karen Black , Robert Burton

In this made-for-TV horror showcase, Karen Black plays four separate roles in three successive tales written or based on the works of venerable genre writer Richard Matheson. In "Julie," Black portray... read more read more...s a prim college literature instructor who engages in a debauched affair with one of her students after he drugs, date-rapes, and blackmails her into submission; here and in the other stories, however, things aren't what they seem. "Millicent and Therese" features the actress in two roles as good sister/bad sister twins who use witchcraft to settle their sexual and moral differences. In the final and most famous segment, "Amelia," Black plays a spinster with an insufferable mother who sublets a high-rise apartment in the city in order to find romantic freedom. When she purchases a Zuni fetish warrior doll as a present for her anthropology-professor beau, it comes to life and chases her around the flat with considerable tenacity. A failed pilot for a horror anthology series, Trilogy of Terror first appeared on ABC in 1975 and subsequently gained a devoted cult following. Black originally didn't want to participate, but agreed after her husband, Robert Burton, was cast in the role of the date-raping blackmailer. Although the actress has appeared in numerous subsequent horror films, it was her indelible quadruple roles here that inspired cult New York rockers the Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black. The film also allegedly inspired the 1984 horror-blaxploitation flick Black Devil Doll From Hell. A belated sequel, Trilogy of Terror 2, also from former Dark Shadows director Dan Curtis, followed in 1996. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

Flixster Users

58% liked it

4,855 ratings

Critics

90% liked it

10 critics

R, 1 hr. 18 min.

Directed by: Dan Curtis

Release Date: March 4, 1975

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DVD Release Date: August 24, 1999

Stats: 256 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (256)


  • June 26, 2011
    I was really surprised and impressed by Karen Black in this movie, she plays all the main characters in the movie perfectly, it's very cool. The first two stories are a bit predictable, but fun. The last one is unpredictable and exciting. I really enjoyed this movie, it's a gr... read moreeat anthology horror film, and I recommend it.
  • May 4, 2009
    The first two stories are fine but the justly famous final one is enough to make you jumpy for days after.
  • January 6, 2012
    Three Twilight Zone-esc anthology stories are told, all gloriously starring the fabulously underrated Karen Black and all containing a twist ending. The final sequence is the most famous (and entertaining) about a possessed doll that runs amok in Blacks apartment and tries to ki... read morell her. Without this sequence I'm not sure how Trilogy of Terror would have survived in public awareness over the past 35 years but with it its a satisfying collection for Horror/Sci-Fi fans and anyone who enjoys anthology storytelling.
  • December 7, 2008
    "Trilogy of Terror" is three short stories, excellent stared by the same actress, ¨Karen Black¨ and the movie itself is definitely well done and the segments are good enough, although somewhat lacking in suspense but really worth watching.
  • August 28, 2008
    Out of the three movies, the last was the best one with the Voodoo doll! That little thing was the creepiest monster I've ever seen when I was a kid, and even watching this movie in mid day time still scared me. It was pretty awesome and to this day, it still creeps me out. ;)
  • June 30, 2011
    I've never seen the actress Karen Black until this film. All I have to say is WOW she is a GOOD actress. ALL threes stories were VERY ENTERTAINING AND INTERESTING. I would see another movie that she is in. BRILLIANT!
  • June 8, 2011
    From the director of Burnt Offerings, check this one out for the Goonie Doll sketch with Karen Black.
  • March 18, 2011
    Curtis's best work..yes a bit campy but the constant level of movement and sound...keep you anticipating
  • October 22, 2010
    Gave this a re-watch as part of my normal Halloween marathon, was surprised to realize how much the last story (the Zuni Fetish doll) over-shadows the rest of the film, honestly to the point that the other two tales felt almost new to me.

    The first two stories aren't bad, though... read more they do have a slightly predictable feeling to them, ala classic horror from EC Comics or something along those lines, but the final story really brings it home.

    Well worth a look.
  • September 11, 2009
    Psychological horror in first two stories, last short is some amazing often suspenseful stuff. LMAO.

Critic Reviews


Felix Vasquez Jr.
October 17, 2010
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed

One of the most underwhelming anthology horror films I've ever seen... Full Review

Jeremy Heilman
June 28, 2010
Jeremy Heilman, MovieMartyr.com

By the time the Zuni fetish doll bursts onto the screen and worms its way into your nightmares (or your heart), you'll be fully convinced that you've seen at least one-third of a genre classic. Full Review

Staci Layne Wilson
August 28, 2006
Staci Layne Wilson, About.com

Demonic doll doling out death? Delightful! Full Review

Jeremiah Kipp
June 20, 2006
Jeremiah Kipp, Slant Magazine

It's the Karen Black Show! Full Review

Steve Crum
June 1, 2005
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com

Love that Karen Black and her little witch doctor! Ouch!

Jon Niccum
January 16, 2004
Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World

The third segment in this trilogy is arguably the scariest piece ever crafted under the made-for-TV label

John Esther
August 22, 2003
John Esther, Pasadena Weekly

Scared many a mom

Daniel M. Kimmel
December 9, 2004
Daniel M. Kimmel, Worcester Telegram & Gazette

No review available.

Walter Chaw
October 7, 2003
Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central

No review available.

Scott Weinberg
July 26, 2002
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com

No review available.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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

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