"Tales from the Crypt" (1989)TV series 1989-1996

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Release Date:

10 June 1989 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Plot:

Tales of horror based on the gloriously gruesome EC horror comics of the 1950's.

Plot Keywords:

Goth | Macabre | Anthology | Tales From The Crypt | Based On Comic

Awards:

Nominated for 7 Primetime Emmys. Another 4 wins & 8 nominations

Cast

John Kassir

...

Crypt Keeper / ... (93 episodes, 1989-1996)

Also Known As:

HBO's Tales from the Crypt

Runtime:

Netherlands:30 min | USA:30 min (93 episodes) | Argentina:30 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

UK:12 (one episode) | Finland:K-18 (2005) (DVD) (self applied) | Iceland:16 | UK:15 (some episodes) | UK:18 (some episodes) | Germany:18 | Australia:MA | Australia:M (some episodes) | Argentina:16

Filming Locations:

Big Sky Ranch, Simi Valley, California, USA

Company:

Home Box Office (HBO)

Trivia:

The introduction sequence that started every episode through the Cryptkeeper's home is actually the size of a miniature golf course green. Small "snorkel" cameras were used to film this portion. The descent into the crypt in the end of the intro is computer generated.

Quotes:

Crypt Keeper: [after cutting someone's ear off with a pair of scissors] Shave and a haircut, two bits!
[laughs hysterically]

Movie Connections:

Spin off Ritual (2001/I)

Campy for the Creepy

I saw a few episodes on video, and while I am not a particular fan of the genre, I was quite impressed. It was like the Twilight Zone, but with a strong horror theme (although not all the time), and without the pretentious feel. What really impressed me was the cheesy lines the crypt keeper had. They were so bad that the writers had to have tried for that effect. It was like listening to the worst spook alley script you've ever seen. That's the heart and soul of campy TV. It goes a long way toward helping you appreciate the carefully crafted tales that are being introduced.

The other stand out thing about the show is the actors they get. They don't just dredge up whatever they can get from the local playhouses. They get some top names. On top of that, you get the feeling that these big stars are having a lot of fun telling a ghost story (not that they're about ghosts, but you get the idea).

So, if you thought Rod Sterling didn't include enough dismemberments, or you just like clever stories with deliberately awful introductions, and you aren't squeamish, then this is the show for you.