Tales From The Crypt (1972) ***1/2

1972's Tales From The Crypt is a fun and well-made Amicus anthology of morality tales based on EC Comics. Each segment is strong, the cast is effective (Ralph Richardson hamming it up as the Crypt-Keeper and Joan Collins as a cold-hearted murderess are particular standouts), and the direction—by Freddie Francis, a solid director and an excellent cinematographer; see 1980's The Elephant Man (review)—is assured. Plus it features the first filmic instance of a killer Santa!