This short-lived TV series, hosted by Christopher Lee, is included in the first Eurocrypt of Christopher Lee Blu-ray boxed set, and unfortunately, few of these 24 tales live up to the name of the show. I’m not sure what compelled them to call this Theatre Macabre when it’s actually a mish-mosh of genres. The goal here instead seems to have been to make adaptations of stories by classic authors, whether or not they were macabre. So, I’ll just be pointing out the titles most befitting the name of the series.
“The Tortures of Hope”
After the first few episodes, this one offered signs of actually delivering something macabre. It’s more of a story about faith, science, and the vile hypocrisy of the church, but it is also reminiscent of the rash of historical witch-hunt exploitation flicks of the 1960s, only without all the writhing, moaning women. It takes place during the inquisition, when a doctor is to be burned at the stake for using dead bodies in order to learn how to heal the sick. Other than the doctor being sent into a dungeon lair and coming across some already deceased “sinners”, and the repulsive glee religious men experience from executing others, there’s not much horror.
“The Vampire”
This is by far one of my favorite scary episodes, loaded with atmosphere and creepy vibes. At a party, an older man tries to warn a younger man that another person present is a vampire. Soon, the young man discovers the truth in a classic, gothic erotic bedroom scene that is as good as traditional vampire visuals get, and there are some great twists.
“The System of Dr Tarr and Professor Fether”
This is one of the more nightmarish episodes that goes hard on the acid trip style of some early 70s horror. A man and woman head to an institution to learn of the new technique they are using to treat patients. After we’re treated to a parade of creepy patients, the man and woman discover you can check in, but you can’t check out.
“Tell-Tale Hearts”
This is a nightmarish take on Poe’s famous tale in which an attractive young man is haunted by the act he committed, but more frightening than the heart is an eye—with freaky close-ups. Another greatly presented horror story.
“Markheim”
A Christmas tale about a man who comes to an antique shop on Christmas, commits a horrible crime, and then finds himself encountering who he surmises is the Devil. And talk about a devilish twist!
“The Canterville Ghost”
This is actually a supernatural comedy. A group of skeptics comes to a haunted, gothic castle, where we see the ghost roaming around even though they don’t. Not sure what the thought process was behind the decision, but the ghost is painted Statue of Liberty green. There are cow webs, thunder and lightning, candelabras, blood puddles, skeletons, rattling chains, a moaning ghost—all the classics. The catch is that the guests are tormenting the ghost just by being unafraid of him. There’s even a twist.
“A Terribly Strange Bed”
Eek! It’s a bed that kind of gobbles people up! It is also reminiscent of the original dark ending of The Little Shop of Horrors.
“Resurrection of the Offland”
A man believes he can cure a man of a disease using a combination of science and magic, but only after he is dead for a year and brought back to life. This one has a nice, morbid ending.
“Boarded Window”
A man and woman are living in a cabin and she’s having paranoid delusions of being stalked by something outside, and her fears begin to affect the husband as well. This one has such a haunting vibe to it.
