Sit back for some stories from the Crypt Keeper
Welcome to the Crypt Keeper’s crypt…he has lots of stories to tell you. Some are funny, but all are deadly. When you enter the crypt, don’t expect to leave with your life.
Tales from the Crypt—Season 1 aired on HBO from June 10, 1989 to June 28, 1989. The show is an comic book anthology adaptation of the EC Comics controversial horror series from the 1950s and received positive reviews.
The series was one of HBO’s early ventures into television shows when it premiered in 1989. I did not have cable and definitely did not have HBO, but if I ever was somewhere it was, I tried to watch it as a fan of anthologies and horror…The Crypt Keeper does not disappoint
Good boys and girls get good stories!
Although it is called Tales from the Crypt, none of the stories in the first season actually came from Tales from the Crypt. Crypt of Terror, Vault of Horror, and Haunt of Fear provide the source material for the episodes and episode 2, “And All Through the House” about a deranged Santa stalking a killer wife had already been presented in the 1972 film Tales from the Crypt (the film version starred Joan Collins).
Tales from the Crypt is like lots of anthology shows in that it doesn’t matter if an episode is so-so, since the next episode might be better. Smartly, Tales from the Crypt always brought in decent actors and great directors to direct their episodes. The first season directors are Walter Hill (“The Man Who Was Death”), Robert Zemeckis (“And All Through the House”), Richard Donner (“Dig That Cat…He’s Real Gone”), Howard Deutch (“Only Sin Deep”), Tom Holland (“Lover Come Hack to Me”), and Mary Lambert (“Collection Complete”). It was a smart way to bring in viewers and give directors a chance to try a little something different…a common trend in anthologies now.
Come for the shocks!
The first season is unfortunately a short season made up of six half-hour shows. That means it isn’t much of a commitment. I say unfortunately because it is over just as you get going on the Crypt Keeper’s spooky journey.
Tales from the Crypt—Season 1 is quite enjoyable and this little taste leaves you wanting more. Tales from the Crypt is a fun series, but unfortunately, it is not always easy to find…HBO does not stream it as part of their collection and it has not received a high definition release (which does kind of add to its charm)…but seek it out if you are a fan of horror or anthology TV in general. The show is fast movie quick, and even if you can guess how the twist ending is going to be revealed, it is fun watching how the show gets there. The Crypt Keeper’s quips at the beginning and end of the show are worth the price of admission by themselves.
Tales from the Crypt—Season 1 Complete Episode Guide:
“The Man Who Was Death”
1.1 The Man Who Was Death Airdate: 06/10/89
A man named Niles Talbot (William Sadler) who runs the electric chair at the prison finds himself out of work when the death penalty is abolished…when Niles decides to keep up with his work by punishing the guilty, he might get the last laugh. Adapts Crypt of Terror #17
“And All Through the House”
1.2 And All Through the House Airdate: 06/10/89
A wife (Mary Ellen Trainor) kills her husband (Marshall Bell) on Christmas Eve while her daughter dreams of Christmas. The perfect crime hits a snag when an escaped mental patient dressed as Santa (Larry Drake) has the police out looking for him. When the deranged Santa traps her in the house, her crime might be exposed…or it could be the perfect alibi. Adapts Vault of Horror #35
“Dig that Cat…He’s Real Gone”
1.3 Dig That Cat…He’s Real Gone Airdate: 06/10/89
Ulric (Joe Pantoliano) is gifted with the nine-lives of a cat by Dr. Emil Manfred (Gustav Vintas). When Dr. Manfred and Ulric teams with a barker (Robert Wuhl), Ulric sets to make himself a fortune by dying on stage. Adapts Haunt of Fear #21
“Only Sin Deep”
1.4 Only Sin Deep Airdate: 06/14/89
A killer prostitute named Sylvia Vane (Lea Thompson) offers to trade her “beauty” to a pawn shop dealer (Britt Leach) for the money she needs to try to get a man, but Sylvia discovers that the pawn shop owner might not be as crazy as she thought when she begins to rapidly age. Adapts Haunt of Fear #24
“Lover Come Hack to Me”
1.5 Lover Come Hack to Me Airdate: 06/21/89
Peggy (Amanda Plummer) marries Charles (Stephen Shellen) against her family’s wishes, and Charles is accused of trying to steal the family fortune. When their car breaks down on a country road, Peggy and Charles enter what appears to be an abandoned home, but they discover that someone might have planned everything. Adapts Haunt of Fear #19
“Collection Complete”
1.6 Collection Completed Airdate: 06/28/89
Forced to retire at 65, Jonas (M. Emmet Walsh) tries to adjust to his new life of leisure and forced to spend time with his animal-obsessed wife Anita (Audra Lindley). When the animals get too much for Jonas, he has to find a new hobby. Adapts Vault of Horror #25
Related Links:
Tales from the Crypt—Season 2 Review and Complete Episode Guide
Tales from the Crypt—Season 3 Review and Complete Episode Guide
Tales from the Crypt—Season 4 Review and Complete Episode Guide
Tales from the Crypt—Season 5 Review and Complete Episode Guide
Tales from the Crypt—Season 6 Review and Complete Episode Guide
Tales from the Crypt—Season 7 Review and Complete Episode Guide
