Twice-Told Tales (1963)

Director:

Sidney Salkow

Writers:

Nathaniel Hawthorne (novel) (story "Heidegger's Experiment") (story "Rappaccini's Daughter")
Robert E. Kent (writer)

Release Date:

September 1963 (USA)

Genre:

Horror

Tagline:

A trio of terror!

Plot:

3 horror stories based on the writings of Nathaniel Hawthorne. In the 1st story titled "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment"...

Plot Keywords:

Back From The Dead | Corpse | Curse | Father Daughter Relationship | Ghost

Cast

Vincent Price	...	Alex Medbourne / Rappaccini / Gerald Pyncheon
Sebastian Cabot	...	Dr. Carl Heidigger
Brett Halsey	...	Giovanni Guasconti
Beverly Garland	...	Alice Pyncheon
Richard Denning	...	Jonathan Maulle
Mari Blanchard	...	Sylvia Ward
Abraham Sofaer	...	Prof. Pietro Baglioni
Jacqueline deWit	...	Hannah Pyncheon, Gerald's Sister
Joyce Taylor	...	Beatrice Rappaccini
Edith Evanson	...	Lisabetta, the landlady
Floyd Simmons	...	Ghost of Mathew Maulle
Gene Roth	...	Cabman

Directed by
Sidney Salkow

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Nathaniel Hawthorne		novel "The House of the Seven Gables" (story "Heidegger's Experiment") (story "Rappaccini's Daughter")
Robert E. Kent		writer

Produced by
Robert E. Kent	....	producer

Original Music by
Richard LaSalle

Cinematography by
Ellis W. Carter

Art Direction by
Franz Bachelin

Set Decoration by
Charles S. Thompson

Makeup Department
Gene Hibbs	....	makeup artist
Jane Shugrue	....	hair stylist

Production Management
Joseph Small	....	production manager

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Al Westen	....	assistant director

Art Department
Irving W. Sindler	....	property master

Sound Department
Alfred R. Bird	....	sound effects editor
Lambert E. Day	....	sound

Special Effects by
Milton Olsen	....	special effects

Costume and Wardrobe Department
Marjorie Corso	....	costumes

Editorial Department
Grant Whytock	....	supervising editor

Music Department
Edna Bullock	....	music editor

Other crew
Jean Dowling	....	script supervisor

Production Companies

• Robert E. Kent Productions (as Admiral Pictures)

Distributors

• United Artists (1963) (USA) (theatrical)
• Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) (video)

Also Known As:

Nathaniel Hawthorne's Twice-Told Tales
Nights of Terror
The Corpse-Makers

Runtime:

120 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

Australia:PG | USA:Approved

Company:

Robert E. Kent Productions

Excellent sixties omnibus

Twice-Told Tales is a trio of horror stories based on the writings of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Each story stars horror maestro Vincent Price, and this allows the man to show his range in a series of different roles throughout the film. All of Price's roles allow him to show his dark side, but it's the way that he is allowed to show this that makes each one stand out. Vincent Price is my favourite horror actor, and he's arguably the best ever. The fact that he stars in each segment of this film is reason enough alone to see it. The fact that every tale is good is another one. In true omnibus style, the first story is the least memorable; but it's still well worth seeing. We follow two friends who discover a virgin spring in the crypt of one of their loves. This story is good because it follows the ever-present dream of ever-lasting life. The way that the plot builds is somewhat predictable, but still good as we get to see the great horror master turn his performance around from do-gooder to something more sinister. Not the best opener to an omnibus film; but a long way from the worst.

The second story is by far the best and, in a way, it's a shame that this story was a part of the omnibus. The second tale is a fairytale horror story of love, protection and madness and follows the tale of an overbearing father that takes steps to ensure that his daughter doesn't sin like her mother did. This story is a variation on the classic 'Romero and Julliet' story, and takes in all the tragedy of that tale by its conclusion. Tale number two is highly original and would make this film worth viewing even if the other two tales were absolute rubbish (which, of course, they're not). The third and final segment is the weakest of the trio, but still manages an excellent Gothic style and a solid story. The reason it's the weakest is mainly because it's really slow; but once it gets started, this tale of greed, witchcraft and murder provides a satisfying end to this trio of stories. With a running time of two hours, Twice-Told Tales is a very long omnibus; and it could have done with being a bit shorter. However, this doesn't harm it too much, and if you're a fan of sixties horror, and/or Vincent Price, this will be a must see.