From two legends, writer Richard Matheson and TV producer / director Dan Curtis, comes this decent three part anthology. It's slick, and entertaining, but doesn't really represent their best work. For the most part, the writing is uninspired. The movie has some twists up its sleeve, but they won't come as any great shock to the viewer. Curtis' efficient direction and the efforts of a solid cast help to keep things watchable. There is no connecting thread, but there is a narrator at the outset to set us up for the (mild) thrills and chills to come.
An appealing Ed Begley Jr. headlines 'Second Chance' as Frank, a young man whose hobby is restoring old cars. One day, he purchases a 1926 Jordan Playboy, and when he takes it for a spin, he is magically transported back to the year 1926. As is usually the case for tales such as this, he learns that his actions in the past will have consequences for the future. If there is a weak link here, it's this segment, scripted by Matheson from Jack Finney's story. It's very likable, to be sure, but has no real impact when it's over.
'No Such Thing as a Vampire' is a period piece starring Patrick Macnee as Dr. Gheria, who has a young bedridden wife played by Anjanette Comer. She lives in mortal fear of a vampire, and the frustrated doctor must call upon a character named Michael (Horst Buchholz) to come in and deal with the problem. Definitely more clever and macabre than 'Second Chance', this segment does come up with an amusing twist ending. Matheson scripted from his published story.
The best is saved for last with the flat-out horror show 'Bobby', an original by Matheson. Joan Hackett plays a grieving, unnamed mother who uses black magic to resurrect her son Bobby (Lee H. Montgomery) who drowned months ago. Needless to say, she comes to regret this decision, as the kid is now decidedly strange and soon begins to terrorize her. Some good suspense and creepiness here, in a section that falls back on that old reliable horror trope of a dark and stormy night. The ending is fun.
E. J. Andre, Ann Doran, Christina Hart, and Elisha Cook Jr. all give fine supporting performances, and both the music by Bob Cobert and cinematography by Ric Waite are excellent.
While this isn't anything special, lovers of the 1970s TV terror genre will want to see it for completions' sake.
Six out of 10.
An appealing Ed Begley Jr. headlines 'Second Chance' as Frank, a young man whose hobby is restoring old cars. One day, he purchases a 1926 Jordan Playboy, and when he takes it for a spin, he is magically transported back to the year 1926. As is usually the case for tales such as this, he learns that his actions in the past will have consequences for the future. If there is a weak link here, it's this segment, scripted by Matheson from Jack Finney's story. It's very likable, to be sure, but has no real impact when it's over.
'No Such Thing as a Vampire' is a period piece starring Patrick Macnee as Dr. Gheria, who has a young bedridden wife played by Anjanette Comer. She lives in mortal fear of a vampire, and the frustrated doctor must call upon a character named Michael (Horst Buchholz) to come in and deal with the problem. Definitely more clever and macabre than 'Second Chance', this segment does come up with an amusing twist ending. Matheson scripted from his published story.
The best is saved for last with the flat-out horror show 'Bobby', an original by Matheson. Joan Hackett plays a grieving, unnamed mother who uses black magic to resurrect her son Bobby (Lee H. Montgomery) who drowned months ago. Needless to say, she comes to regret this decision, as the kid is now decidedly strange and soon begins to terrorize her. Some good suspense and creepiness here, in a section that falls back on that old reliable horror trope of a dark and stormy night. The ending is fun.
E. J. Andre, Ann Doran, Christina Hart, and Elisha Cook Jr. all give fine supporting performances, and both the music by Bob Cobert and cinematography by Ric Waite are excellent.
While this isn't anything special, lovers of the 1970s TV terror genre will want to see it for completions' sake.
Six out of 10.