I was thinking back to a horror type film that would now be considered a classic. This is actually a horror anthology of different tales. If you liked the television series “Tales from the Crypt” which aired on the HBO network, which was based upon the comic books published by EC Comics in the 1950’s. Then you will more than likely enjoy this film. Creepshow was considered a sleeper hit film earning 21 million overall domestically. The film was directed by horror man George A. Romero who is best known for Night of the Living Dead (1968). There also was remake of the film which Romero helped write the screenplay for with the same working title Night of the Living Dead (1990).
Creepshow (1982) was written by author Stephen King who also stars as one of the characters in one of the segments titled “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill”. There are a number of appearances of upcoming actors during this time with a mix of established actors as well in each of these segments. I think you will enjoy seeing them in these particular roles.
The film opens with a young boy named Billy played by Joe King who is the real life son of Stephen King, he is scolded by his father Stan played by Tom Atkins for reading the horror comic “Creepshow”. Afterwards, the film cuts to the first sequence titled “Father’s Day” which is a disturbing tale of a disgruntled family. The cast of “Father’s Day” includes: Carrie Nye as Sylvia Grantham, Viveca Lindfors as Aunt Bedelia, Ed Harris as Hank Blaine, Warner Shook as Richard Grantham, Elizabeth Regan as Cass Blaine, Jon Lormer as Nathan Grantham, Nann Mogg as Mrs. Danvers, Peter Messer as Yarbro, and John Amplas as Nathan’s Corpse.
The second sequence is titled “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill” originally titled “Weeds” was written specifically for this film. The story involves a simple minded foolish farmer played by Stephen King, named Jordy Verrill who gets more than he bargains for while trying to sell a meteorite which lands nearby at his home (farm) to get enough money for a college bank loan.
The third sequence is titled “Something to Tide You Over” which features as younger Leslie Nielsen as Richard Vickers, his wife Becky played by Gaylen Ross and a younger Ted Danson as Harry Wentworth. They end up in a love triangle gone wrong which you might find disturbingly creepy.
The fourth sequence is titled “The Crate” that stars Hal Holbrook as a college professor named Henry Northrup, scream queen Adrienne Barbeau appears as Wilma Northrup, Fritz Weaver is Dexter Stanley, Robert Harper is Charlie Gereson, Don Keefer appears as Mike the Janitor, Christine Forrest is Tabitha Raymond, Chuck Aber is Richard Raymond, Cletus Anderson is the Host, and Katie Karlovitz is the Maid.
The final fifth sequence titled “They’re Creeping Up On You!” was written by Stephen King specifically for the film ending. The main character suffers from Mysophobia a phobia about dirt and germs, soon enough he finds out just how far things can go. The character Upson Pratt is played by E.G. Marshall. David Early also appears in this as the character “White”.
There are a few other appearances throughout the film by actors who were uncredited for their work these include: Tom Atkins as Stan (segments “Prologue” / “Epilogue”), John Colicos as Doctor (segment “The Lonely Death of Jordy Verrill”), Darryl Ferrucci as Fluffy (segment “The Crate”), David Garrison as College Party Host (segment “The Crate”), Ann Muffly as Lenora Castonmeyer (segment “They’re Creeping Up On You”) (voice) and Charles Van Eman as Bartender (segment “The Crate”)
If you are interested in reading the graphic novel there was one printed after the release of the film published by Penguin. Overall, I think you will find this to be a creepy viewing experience and worthwhile to see.
