Initially, “Tales from the Crypt” was a movie produced in 1972, not the renowned HBO series that is hard to find nowadays. Similar to the HBO series, it was inspired by Al Feldstein, Johnny Craig, and Bill Gaines’ 1950s EC Comics series of the same name, an anthology format. Freddie Francis, who also directed an episode from the final season of the HBO series, helmed this film. Although it showed more than the movie could, it was nothing compared to what the HBO show exhibited in the late ’80s to mid ’90s. Despite sharing the basic idea of presenting multiple stories with a Crypt Keeper narrator, these two projects differ significantly in terms of their tone and style.
However, by watching the 1972 film, it’s evident that some groundwork or foundations were laid. This could be likened to saying that the movie paved the way for future productions to thrive.
What Is Tales from the Crypt About?
Leaving aside its final twist, the anthology series “Tales from the Crypt” features five distinct stories. These include “…And All Through the House,” featuring Joan Collins known for her role in “Dynasty”, “Reflection of Death”, “Poetic Justice” starring Peter Cushing, famous for his roles in “Star Wars: A New Hope” and Hammer Horror films, “Wish You Were Here”, and “Blind Alleys”.
In the movie, two tales – “Mirror of Mortality” and “Rhyme for Revenge” – are exclusive; they were never even loosely adapted in the television series on HBO.
In a twist of fate, “Reflections of Death” tells the story of Carl Maitland, a man who abandons his family for his secretary. Their ensuing car crash leaves him ejected from the vehicle. As he regains consciousness, he finds that his disfigured visage instills fear in everyone he encounters. Upon reaching the secretary’s home, he discovers an unsettling truth: the accident occurred two years ago and claimed both their lives. Yet, Carl mysteriously finds himself resurrected as a decaying zombie. In a shocking twist, he wakes up again, this time back behind the wheel of the car…just before it crashes once more.
The storyline of “Poetic Justice” revolves around Arthur Edward Grimsdyke, a gentle soul with a soft spot for dogs and delighting neighborhood kids. He’s a simple man who harbors an interest in the supernatural but is otherwise innocent. When two malicious neighbors begin causing havoc in his life, Grimsdyke meets a tragic end by taking his own life. However, before he departs, he sets up a plan to rise from the grave and exact his vengeance against those who wronged him.
What Are the Similarities Between Tales from the Crypt the Movie and Tales from the Crypt the Show?
In essence, three other tales were reimagined to different degrees for the TV series. The most evidently related one is “…And All Through the House,” which was almost exactly reproduced. In this modernized version, Mary Ellen Trainor from “Lethal Weapon” and “Die Hard” stepped into the role originally played by Collins. She portrayed a woman who found herself pursued by a relentless axe-wielding serial killer, making it extremely difficult for her to escape after killing her husband.
The adaptation of “Blind Alleys” isn’t spot-on, but it comes pretty close. An undervalued episode from Season 6 titled “Revenge is the Nuts,” featuring Teri Polo and Isaac Hayes, shares a similar theme where a heartless man oversees a home for the blind with little regard for the inhabitants. In this tale, by the story’s end, the residents exact their revenge through a cunning trap involving razor blades.
The television show “Wish You Were Here” wasn’t tightly based on the original source material. In addition to this, an episode in Season 7 titled “Last Respects” also draws inspiration from W. W. Jacobs’ short story “The Monkey’s Paw.
It’s surprising that HBO’s series from 1989-1996 is more difficult to watch than a lesser-known movie from 1972, but this is due to complex rights issues that have been plaguing the premium network television show for quite some time. The number of years? So many that even by 2018, a reboot failed to materialize, despite the support of M. Night Shyamalan.
Currently, you can watch the 1972 film free of charge with advertisements on Tubi. Additionally, you can stream the captivating “Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight” by adding a STARZ extension on Apple TV. Unfortunately, you have to rent the less-than-impressive “Bordello of Blood” on Amazon Video. Regarding the HBO show itself, your best bet would be to go shopping for DVDs.
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2025-03-25 06:12