Review of Tales from the Crypt (1972) by Phil H — 19 Oct 2013

This is one of my all-time favorite horror movies. British horror anthologies simply don't get much better than this. Tales from the Crypt is a perfectly realized entry in (and perhaps, the best example of) the British anthology sub-genre. This British production looks handsome enough under Freddie Francis's direction, and for those who say they'd watch Ralph Richardson in anything, well, here's your chance. It's put together something like the comic books, with the old Crypt Keeper acting as host and narrator. In the movie version, he is played with suitable ham by Ralph Richardson. 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. If there is a "weak link" at all in the bunch, it's probably story number two. It's not that it's particularly weak, it just doesn't have the rich imagery or payoff that the other stories feature. The tales vary on the fright front, with highlights including Collins as a psychotic housewife, horror menace Cushing on the receiving end for once, and a genuinely surprising ending.

VERDICT: "High-Quality Stuff" - [Positive Reaction] This is a rating to a movie I view as very entertaining and well made, and definitely worth paying the full price at a theatre to see or own on DVD. It is not perfect, but it is definitely excellent. (Films that are rated 3.5 or 4 stars).