Tales from the Darkside: The Movie Review
Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990) is a horror anthology flick featuring writers; Stephen King; George A. Romero; Michael McDowell; and Arthur Conan Doyle. It is a spin-off of the television series of the same title. The film feels very much like the first two Creepshow films (let’s not mention the third one, which was a complete trainwreck!). The nested stories within an unrelated wrap-around tale are completely different from each other, but most are outlandish (even cartoonish), have elements of humour, and have a good dose of revenge themes throughout.
Not having watched the original TV series beforehand, I cannot say that the film is loyal to its roots. But what can be said is that the wrap-around story is tame in comparison to its 3 main creature features. Others have said that this feels like Goosebumps and that this does not quite fit the rest of the film. Having watched the Creepshows (and The League of Gentlemen Christmas Special (2000)) I don’t agree with this.
If the wrap-around tale was as intense as the tales themselves, then how could the storyteller or medium be read effectively? Imagine trying to tell a spooky story in the midst of being chased by a homicidal maniac, it would not make sense. The only sensible time to up the ante of the wrap-around story is at the end of the film with its climax.
Let’s now look at the three main stories…
Lot 249
Lot 249 is the first short story of the film. It is based on the classic horror story (Lot No. 249) written by Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyal. It is a Gothic horror short story that tells of a University of Oxford athlete named Abercrombie Smith who notices a strange series of events surrounding Edward Bellingham, an Egyptology student who owns many ancient Egyptian artefacts.
Bellingham has recently acquired a mummy and has been acting very strangely since its arrival. Smith discovers that Bellingham has been using the mummy to exact revenge on his enemies.
Notable acting skills can be witnessed from Steve Buscemi (who played Bellingham), but well cast in general. The portrayal of the original Doyal story was creepy. It made good use of lighting and shadow that really added to the mood.
The Cat from Hell
The Cat from Hell is about a wealthy old man named Drogan who hires a hitman named Halston to kill a black cat which he believes is murderously evil. Drogan explains that there were three other occupants of his house before the cat arrived: his sister, Amanda, her friend Carolyn, and the family’s butler, Richard.
This short story is very comical, with ridiculousness peaking at the end. The Cat from Hell provides much welcome comic relief after the first story.
Lover’s Vow
Lover’s Vow is the third story in the film. It is about a struggling artist named Preston who meets his agent Wyatt at a bar. Wyatt tells him that his art isn’t selling and cuts him loose.
After watching Preston drown his sorrows, Jer, a friend of his, offers to walk him home. While relieving himself, Preston witnesses Jer being decapitated by a monstrous gargoyle. The gargoyle promises to spare Preston’s life if he never tells anyone what he saw.
This story has a great start, but in the middle nothing really happens. The ending is just downright goofy!
Conclusion
Tales from the Darkside: The Movie is incredibly watchable. By no means can this film be classed as a horror comedy, but there was no shortage of laughs (whether intentional or not). All the stories are very fun to watch, and John Harrison (director) has successfully brought the stories to life on screen.
As someone who has not watched the original TV series, this movie has successfully advertised the prospect of watching them.
