Story: Four stories that have one thing in common; items that were obtained in a curio shop. A mirror, a medal, a snuff box, a an elaborate door. Do the new owners have what it takes to survive once things start to go very wrong? We’ll see…
Scares: 70s creepy modern Gothic vibes.
Splat Factor: Some blood, and a bit of the old ultra-violence.
Subgenre: Mid-20th Century Horror Anthologies
Year Released: 1974
Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul)?: Based on stories by award winning writer R. Chetwynd-Hayes.
Trick or Treat?: Finally getting around to the last of the Amicus anthologies. Not as good as the ones based on Robert Bloch stories or EC comics, but campy fun. Especially as the shop keeper is none other than the great Peter Cushing, giving it his all.
I’ll keep things simple, with a whiff of each story.
1) “The Gatecrasher” –
David Warner (best known to horrorhounds as Keith Jennings in 1976’s The Omen) tries to battle an evil image in an antique mirror purchased from Our Lovely Owner. He fails, naturally. The real horror? His mutton chops.
2) “An Act of Kindness” –
A man decides to steal some valor from Our Lovely Owner, but who cares? Nothing’s better than seeing Donald Pleasence and his daughter Andrea on screen together! Especially when it comes with a happy ending. “In one way or another.”
3) “The Elemental” –
After purchasing a snuff box from Our Lovely Owner, a psychic warns a man, who doesn’t take her seriously. But y’know, he should have. Especially when things get dicey for him and his wife.
4) “The Door” –
Our Lovely Owner sells a wildly ornate antique to a young man, who brings it home to his wife. It quickly becomes the couple’s new cupboard door. Seems the whole “may take you places you don’t want to go” warning was left out of the purchase.
5) Wraparound story – A thief that’s been casing the joint, robs Our Lovely Owner. Or at least an attempt was made.
I find the even numbered stories are better than the odd, and the finale is too quick to really land. But if you’re a fan of older anthologies, you’ll find something to enjoy.
Score: 3.5 out of 5 pumpkins.
