Review of Tales from the Crypt (1972) by Scott D — 08 Nov 2008
Very good anthology film with some terrific moments. "...And All Through the House" starts things off well with a chilling Christmas tale, handled here much more effectively than it was on the television series of the same name.
The Christmas carols that provide the soundtrack for this segment give it an eerie touch. "Reflection of Death" is watchable but very predictable and standard for EC Comics fare. "Poetic Justice" is an extremely sad story in which Peter Cushing gives easily one of his best performances.
As the kindly old man completely beaten down spiritually by a snobbish neighbor, Cushing's performance was apparently influenced by his wife's recent death, as the character himself is a widower.
Easily the best of the lot. "Wish You Were Here", a variation on W.W. Jacobs' The Monkey's Paw, is very entertaining but not extremely memorable. "Blind Alleys" is a thoroughly good tale with a truly vicious climax; one of the better stories.
The wraparound story has a twist you can see coming from a mile away, but it's still got that EC charm. Recommended.
This review of Tales from the Crypt (1972) was written by Scott D on 08 Nov 2008.
Tales from the Crypt has generally received positive reviews.
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