Haeckel's Tale (27 Jan. 2006)

While on his way to see his sick father, a man takes shelter with an elderly man and his young wife but soon discovers their horrible secret.

Director:

John McNaughton

Writers:

Mick Garris (creator), Mick Garris (teleplay),

Stars:

Steve Bacic, Micki Maunsell, Gerard Plunkett

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Steve Bacic	...	John Ralston
Micki Maunsell	...	Miz Carnation
Gerard Plunkett	...	Dr. Hauser (as Gerrard Plunkett)
Derek Cecil	...	Ernst Haeckel
Pablo Coffey	...	Chester
Jon Polito	...	Montesquino
Warren Kimmel	...	Faron
Jill Morrison	...	Rachel
Elizabeth McQuade	...	Young Woman
Tom McBeath	...	Wolfram
Leela Savasta	...	Elise Wolfram
Christopher DeLisle	...	Elise's Dead Husband

Storyline

In the nineteen century, a man seeks help with a necromancer, asking her to revive his beloved wife. The woman advises him that the process could be dangerous, since she can bring the body back, but not necessarily the spirit and proposes him to listen to Haeckel's story to help in his decision. Ernst Haeckel is a cocky medical student fascinated with resuscitation. When the illness of his father becomes terminal, he travels to visit him and in his journey he meets the necromancer Montesquino, who claims to have the ability to bring the dead back to life. While preparing to spend the night nearby a cemetery, the old man Wolfram offers him shelter in his home, telling him that it would be very dangerous to stay near the necropolis. Haeckel accepts the invitation and meets his young wife Elise Wolfram. He feels seduced by the sexy woman, and sooner he finds her eternal love for her deceased husband.

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Plot Keywords:

necromancer | cemetery | medical student | topless female nudity | intestines | 

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Genres:

Horror | Thriller

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Certificate:

TV-MA

Details

Country:

Canada USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 January 2006 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Columbia Production Tax Credit, IDT Entertainment, Industry Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

59 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

George A. Romero was originally going to direct, but couldn't fit it in his schedule. Then Roger Corman was approached to helm the episode, but health issues came up and he was then replaced by John McNaughton.

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Goofs

The supposedly dead body that Chester brought to Ernst clearly shows breathing chest movements.

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Soundtracks

"Hush, Little Baby"
(traditional)(uncredited)
Performed by Leela Savasta

User Reviews

Very atmospheric

I've watched maybe five episodes so far and this is by far the best I've seen yet for one particular reason, the late 19th century set design and atmosphere. There are way too few movies which portray the gloomy side of this era, graveyards, fireplaces, darkness, it's all there. Perfect watch for a rainy autumn night. There is a bit of an studio like feel to some scenes, but it doesn't make it any less attractive.

I must say I wasn't too keen on the necrophilia part, but for what it's worth, it could've been a lot more disturbing. This is more of an old school "fun" horror. And even tho there is a bit of gore, it's not disturbing as it has been in some episodes.

Watch it for the atmosphere, not so much for the story.