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Poster for Tales from the Crypt

Tales from the Crypt

Seen it?

1972 | 93 min | Horror

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it made about 7 times its budget. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for horror fans. If you loved Hokum, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Scary.
The pace
Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 33 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG: slapstick violence. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • Made in 1972: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

When a tourist group become lost within ancient catacombs, they meet the sinister Crypt Keeper, who tells them each their fate. The enigmatic figure's macabre stories involve a wife dabbling in murder, a retired sanitation worker targeted by his suspicious neighbors, and an adulterer who may face a fitting demise if the yarns come true.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    90% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.8 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $3 million worldwide on a $406K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 76K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Freddie Francis

  • Joan CollinsJoanne Clayton
  • Peter CushingArthur Edward Grimsdyke
  • Roy DotriceCharles Gregory
  • Richard GreeneRalph Jason
  • Ian HendryCarl Maitland
  • Patrick MageeGeorge Carter
  • Barbara MurrayEnid Jason
  • Nigel PatrickMaj. William Rogers
  • Robin PhillipsJames Elliot
  • Ralph RichardsonThe Crypt Keeper