HALLOWEEN HORROR DAYS ~ DAY 13: FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE (1974)

One of the longest enduring and incredibly entertaining sub-genres within horror is that of the horror anthology film. Stretching as far back as 1924's silent horror film WAXWORKS by the great German filmmaker Paul Leni to 2014'a V/H/S: VIRAL and on. Many of the biggest names in horror have contributed to this sub-genre from Roger Corman and Mario Bava to Hammer Horror legends Freddie Francis and Roy Ward Baker to horror masters like George A. Romero, Joe Dante, John Landis, and John Carpenter. And the greatest of the great horror actors have lent their talents from Boris Karloff, Vincent Price, Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Donald Pleasence and more.

Short. Sweet. And frightening. This style of horror lends itself well to television with such series as The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Tales From The Crypt, Freddy's Nightmares, and Tales From The Darkside. Even the Simpsons has their own horror anthology episodes once a year: The Treehouse of Horror. As you can see, the horror anthology is a time honored tradition and beloved format that continues to endure. One of the classics in this sub-genre is a film titled FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE and stars many amazing actors including Peter Cushing, Donald Pleasence, and David Warner.

THE PLOTS

An old antique shop named 'Temptations' receives five patrons each purchasing a rare one of a kind piece from the collection. One purchases an old mirror, another steals a military medal, one tag swaps a silver pill box, and the fourth purchases an old door and frame. One by one each patron is thrust into a unique kind of hell, the unethical and amoral meeting gruesome demises while the one honest customer barely survives. The fifth patron attempts to rob the antique dealer only to find out the dealer may not be exactly what he seems. Deception, possession, demonic entities, and supernatural forces abound in this quartet of grim tales.

THE GOOD

Little Investment. Big Return. One of the most appealing aspects of horror anthologies is the judicious storytelling. This film tells four tales along with the bridging sequences all within a quick 97 minute runtime. There's no filler. There isn't any downtime. Just one creepy story after another. And you don't lose any quality either. There's plenty of blood and gore. There's good scares and creep outs. Plenty of atmosphere and even some dark humor. Needless to say you get your money's worth.

Pedigree Actors. What first attracted my attention to this film were none other than horror icons Peter Cushing and Donald Pleasence. These two in a film together is more than enough for me. Cushing plays the antique dealer and does a remarkable job. Donald Pleasence plays one of the leads in the second story alongside his real life daughter Angela Pleasence. Their feature story is perhaps the creepiest of all the shorts. The very first short in the collection stars David Warner, another wonderful actor of sci fi and horror. In short, the acting is quality and a treat for horror fans.

THE BAD

There isn't necessarily anything bad about this movie. What it comes down to is personal preference. If you prefer your movies to be more of an immersive experience, to spend the whole time getting to know a set of characters and plot, a horror anthology may not be the best choice for you. This film is set up like a collection of episodes with a one and done approach. If you're cool with that then what are you waiting for? With me, my only gripe would be that Peter Cushing doesn't play a bigger role and that neither he nor Donald Pleasence share the screen together. I am a big fan of both of them and would love to see Doctor Loomis and Van Helsing team up to take down evil.

Like I said, there isn't anything really wrong with this movie, just personal preferences here and there.

THE VERDICT

From Beyond the Grave is a horror anthology from legendary names in horror. Amicus Productions, one of the great names in horror cinema, is responsible for this bloody, creepy, and disturbing collection of short films. Loaded with the likes of Peter Cushing, Donald Pleasence, and David Warner, this movie has great and expedient storytelling and prime acting. If you love campfire tales of horror this is a movie not to be missed.

Overall Ranking: 6 out of 10

(above average. worth the price)

Nude-O-Meter: 1 out of 10

Keep checking back as October rolls along and we continue counting down the days until Halloween, one scary movie after another.