Review of Tales from the Crypt (1972) by Michael T — 26 Jul 2008
Amicus was one of Hammer's major competitors in producing British horror films in the 1960s and 1970s. Amicus specialized in anthology films ala THE DEAD OF THE NIGHT. This adaptation of William M.
Gaines and Al Fieldestein's tales which were originally published in American EC horror comics in the 1950s is one of the best of Amicus' films. A group of sightseers are cut off from a tour group visiting the catacombs of an ancient monastery and run into a sinister man clad in a red monk's habit (Sir Ralph Richardson) who reveals some very unpleasant facets of the stranded group which includes Joan Collins, Ian Hendry, and Patrck Magee.
The EC horror comics were a very American institution but the stories are adapted into a British setting admirably and Freddie Francis direction is assured. Later, a number of these stories were adapted into episodes of the long-running HBO TALES FOROM THE CRYPT series.
The recent 'Midnite Movies' DVD version is a double feature with the similar VAULT OF HORROR.
This review of Tales from the Crypt (1972) was written by Michael T on 26 Jul 2008.
Tales from the Crypt has generally received positive reviews.
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