Tales from the Crypt (1972)

Tales from the Crypt (1972), directed by Freddie Francis.

Another horror anthology from Amicus Productions. In previous reviews -- The House That Dripped Blood (1971), Asylum (1972) -- I remarked how bloodless were these short stories. This one changes things: we do have blood and some moments of unexpected gore.

In the framing stories a group of tourists get lost at the monastery and enter the catacombs, where Crypt-Keeper Ralph Richardson shows them visions of horrible crimes they have or will commit.

...And All Through the House. Man, do I like looking at Joan Collins. Having just murdered her husband she has to both dispose of the body and fend off a psycho Santa trying to get into the house. What a day!

Reflection of Death. A time-loop nightmare story. After surviving a car crash why does everyone run screaming from Ian Hendry?

Poetic Justice. Kindly, eccentric Peter Cushing is hounded by malicious neighbors.

Wish You Were Here. Richard Greene (the TV Robin Hood of my youth) in a ghastly variation of The Monkey's Paw, which is about the terrible cost of getting three wishes. The clever bit is that our characters know the original story and try to avoid the cost. Unsuccessfully, I think everyone would agree.

Blind Alleys. Patrick Magee leads a revolt of inmates at a home for the blind against the tyrannical and abusive admin.

Available on Blu-ray from Shout Factory.