Ahh, Tales from the Crypt... a staple of my youth. I didn't get to see every episode when I was young, but there are several that I remember vividly. Upon a more recent viewing, it turns out they are as great as I remember them to be...
This series is, of course, based on the EC horror comics of the 1950's. The episodes were updated for the times, but always held that comic book feel. Hosted by The Crypt Keeper, a lot of the stories were about bad people, and how they got their comeuppance. There was typically a twist at the end of the episode, and the audience would be able to laugh at the turn of events.
Following are 10 episodes that I loved watching as I was younger, and still love watching even today, for the twists, the fun, and The Crypt Keeper...
...And All Through The House
This story was in the 1972 Tales from the Crypt anthology movie. An escape mental patient dressed as Santa terrorizes a woman who has just killed her husband on Christmas Eve. I've always had a soft spot for Christmas Horror, and this is just one of the reasons why. It's fast paced, funny and perfectly encapsulates The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!
Dig That Cat... He's Real Gone
A mad scientist uses a hobo as his test subject to see if he can transplant a cat's 9 lives into a human, and he can! There are plenty of laughs to be had here, particularly Robert Wuhl as The Barker. The twist is something that will stay with you.
Revenge Is The Nuts
This also was part of the 1972 Tales from the Crypt movie. Sheila is brought to a state funded home for the blind. The cruel owner, Mr. Grunwald, has pushed the residents far enough with his sadistic games and mean spirit. Once the tables are turned, Mr. Grunwald doesn't think things seems quite so funny anymore.
Three's A Crowd
A jealous husband suspects his wife is having an affair with a successful friend. This is the darkest episode I can remember. There's nothing funny about this one, and you'll feel dirty by the end of it. Definitely a shocker...
Comes The Dawn
Colonel Parker and Sergeant Burrows are in the Alaskan wilderness hunting grizzly bears. It's illegal, but it will fetch them a pretty penny on the black market. They hire Jeri Drumbeater as a guide, but it seems Jeri has something different in store for the two men. This is a great episode with lots of atmosphere, and a twist that was unexpected until a recent horror hit made it obvious.
Four-Sided Triangle
A girl is being held against her will as a slave to a farmer and his wife. Does she have a well developed plan, or is the girl really crazy? This one you'll really enjoy watching how it unfolds.
The Secret
Theodore is a young man who is adopted by the Colberts. The couple seem very excited and, at the same time, very odd. The sense of urgency this episode creates is great. Should Theodore fear for his life? You decide.
About Face
Set in Victorian England, this tale centers on a prominent priest named Jonathan. He's not a very likable guy at home, but he is a well respected leader in society. A pair of twins come to him for help. They have no parents, and the woman who takes care of them recently died. Jonathan sees this as an inconvenience, but it would make him look even better in the eyes of the townsfolk, to take in these two unfortunate youths. Will Jonathan live to regret his decision?
Forever Ambergris
Two war photographers meet up again after some time apart. Ike used to be Dalton's apprentice, but now it seems Dalton has lost his edge. He becomes extremely jealous of Ike's talents. Dalton learns of a nearby village that has been decimated by germ warfare. He tricks Ike into going to take some pictures of the village. As it was planned, Ike contracts the deadly virus. Dalton steals Ike's pictures, and wins the day! Or will he?
Split Second
Steve Dixon is a lumberjack. A lumberjack with a super-hot wife. So, it is expected that Dixon would get jealous when his lumberjack employees stare at his wife, or when his wife talks to any of the men. When Ted comes to town, Mrs. Dixon shows an interest. He is immediately targeted by Dixon as a threat. Ted is beaten within an inch of his life, and is left blind. How would a lumberjack cope with being blind? What a great twist.
So, there they are, my 10 favorite Tales From The Crypt episodes. If you get a chance, check them out. You will NOT be disappointed.
Which of your favorite episodes did I miss? Let me know.
