Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990)

User Rating:

5.6/10   

Director:

John Harrison

Writers (WGA):

Michael McDowell (written by) (segment)
Arthur Conan Doyle (short story "Lot 249") (segment)

Release Date:

4 May 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Fantasy | Horror

Tagline:

Brace yourself for some KILLER stories.

Plot:

In anthology style, a child tells three stories of horror to keep from being eaten by a witch.

Plot Keywords:

Cat | Anthology | Mummy | Gargoyle | Wheelchair

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Deborah Harry	...	Betty (wraparound story)
David Forrester	...	Priest (wraparound story)
Matthew Lawrence	...	Timmy (wraparound story)
Christian Slater	...	Andy (segment "Lot 249")
Robert Sedgwick	...	Lee (segment "Lot 249")
Steve Buscemi	...	Bellingham (segment "Lot 249")
Donald Van Horn	...	Moving Man (segment "Lot 249")
Michael Deak	...	Mummy (segment "Lot 249")
Julianne Moore	...	Susan (segment "Lot 249")
George Guidall	...	Museum Director (segment "Lot 249")
Kathleen Chalfant	...	Dean (segment "Lot 249")
Ralph Marrero	...	Cabbie (segment "Lot 249")
David Johansen	...	Halston (segment "Cat From Hell")
Paul Greeno	...	Cabbie (segment "Cat From Hell")
William Hickey	...	Drogan (segment "Cat From Hell")

Also Known As:

Creepshow 3 (International: English title) (informal title)
Darkside Movie (USA) (informal English title)
Tales from the Darkside (International: English title) (informal English title)

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Finland:K-16 (cut) (1991) | Iceland:16 | Netherlands:16 | Australia:M | France:-12 | Germany:(Banned) | UK:18 | USA:R | Germany:BPjM Restricted

Filming Locations:

Bronxville, New York, USA

Company:

Darkside Movie

Trivia:

In the episode "Cat from Hell", a TV is showing a scene from Martin (1977), also written and directed by George A. Romero.

Goofs:

Continuity: The position of the groceries in Betty's bag change between shots in the first segment of the wraparound story.

Quotes:

Wyatt: Judith says she hasn't moved anything of yours in months. She says if it isn't out by tomorrow it gets junked.
Preston: Wyatt, you've got to convince her that...
Wyatt: I can't convince her of anything.
Preston: What are you talking about? You're my agent!
Wyatt: Well... not exactly. Preston, your artistic vision just isn't a marketable commodity.
Preston: Wyatt, I'm broke. I can't live on nothing.
Wyatt: And I can't live on ten-percent of nothing.
Preston: [pause] You're a monster.
Wyatt: I'm an agent. To me, being a monster's just credentials.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Nightmares in Foam Rubber (2004) (V)

Soundtrack:

TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE (Original Theme)

Terrifying if watched alone late at night

One of the top horror-story anthology movies out there (albeit that isn't saying much). Will scare the pants off you if watched late at night by your lonesome. Stories are cleverly placed from least terrifying first to most terrifying at the end. Acting leaves much to be desired, however, with the first story containing the most watchable cast (Steve Buscemi, Christian Slater). Wraparound story is cliched and predictable, but it doesn't really matter.

First story is one of the more interesting mummy tales out there, with Buscemi playing an outsider in a yuppie university who discovers "Lot 249." Lot turns out to be ancient preserved mummy who, of course, wrecks havoc. Twists at the end are good but not exceptional in any way.

Second story is a fantastical tale regarding a vicious cat that never seems to go away. Old man hires hitman to kill cat. Tale is entertaining and unnerving but altogether ridiculous as well. Only for fans of horror, really.

Third story is gem of anthology. Concerns a young man who witnesses a gargoyle savagely kill a man in a dark alley. Man makes vow to never speak of gargoyle to anyone in exchange for his life. Romantic tale ends in shock and horror. Likely to give nightmares.

Overall, this movie is laughable and boring in daytime but can be terrifying at night. Personally I have a tough time choosing favorite tale; each one brings something different to the table. Horror buffs be sure to check this one out if you haven't already.