This three-part selection of horror stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne explores the psyches of convention-bound characters and the bizarre means they use to elude the restrictions of society. Dr Heidegger s Experiment tells the tale of an elderly physician who develops an elixir of life, and uses it to resurrect the woman he was to have married. He also rejuvenates himself and his best friend, only to discover, with tragic consequences, that he is the odd man out in a lover s triangle. Rappacini s Daughter is also about love and jealousy. Rappacini is a disillusioned botanist who rears his daughter in a garden of poisonous plants and goes so far as to innoculate her with their juices until anyone who touches her dies. The House of the Seven Gables concerns a rumour of treasure hidden within a haunted house, and the effect of an ancient curse on the young man who tries to find the fortune.
W**F
Old-fashioned wallow
I wasn't around at the time, but this must've seemed very quaint in 1963, three years after Psycho was released. Even compared to the AIP Poe films and the Hammer period horrors, this is very mild and old-fashioned. But in its own way, it is a treat.The anthology begins with two old friends in an old house on a stormy night... that about describes the appeal, as you can settle in for a cosy, creepy evening.This is the kind of well-lit Gothic with very studio-bound, but attractive-looking sets, old-fashioned dialogue and classical acting.For the person who enjoys either anthology films or the comforting lull of darkly atmospheric drama, this is enjoyable and entertaining. It's also rather epic at nearly two hours and only three stories, it almost feels like watching three feature films, which is good value for those who like wallowing in atmosphere. The stories themselves are also pretty good, adapted from literature, with the first one being the best.
D**E
Five Stars
Fine.I first saw this movie in 1964 at the Boulevard Drive In Cinema on Washington Boulevard,Kingston,Jamaica.I really enjoyed it then,especially the last segment of the trio of tales,"The House of the Seven Gables".At that time Beverley Garland,the story's heroine was starring in "The Bing Crosby Show" on tv.Joyce Taylor was beautiful as "Rappacini's Daughter"(segment two)and had starred in "Beauty and the Beast","Ring of Fire",and "Atlantis the Lost Continent".I still get a frisson out of each tale,and often remember my visits to the cinema as a 14 year old in 1964.It is a joy to own this DVD.I am still searching for a copy of "The Big Fisherman"(1959),and "Monster on the Campus" and "The Deadly Mantis" and the full 187 minute version of "Raintree County".Impossible to obtain.Why will not Turner Entertainment issuethis version as they seem to be the only ones who own the copy?Even when they show it on TCM it is paired down to 160 minutes,deleting some very disturbing and compelling scenes.Yes,"Twice Told Tales",a Five Star buy!!!
R**S
Liked the first tale about an eternal youth substance
Classic horror of its time and therefore quirky and theatrical. Liked the first tale about an eternal youth substance, and the others were watchable, though a bit silly by modern measures. Those that collect this genre of old movie will appreciate, I’m sure.
A**R
Enjoyable but not essential.
Moderately enjoyable but not essential. Much better Vincent Price movies out there.
C**R
TWICE TOLD TALES
Excellent addition to my collection. Delivery & service 1st class, i'm very pleased.
K**E
Five Stars
Great
M**R
Five Stars
Horror of yesteryear is simply adorable this is real acting thank you
D**C
Five Stars
Great film with three great stories. Vincent Price at his best.
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