On tonight’s episode of Thriller, we see what happens when an aspiring sorcerer (George MacReady) accidentally kills his son. In order to brings his son back to life, he has to have a special suit made by the weird tailor of the title (played by Henry Jones).
This is one of the better episode of Thriller. For once, the use of the word “weird” in the title is not a misnomer! This one was written by Robert Bloch, who adapted his own short story. It originally aired on October 16th, 1961.
In tonight’s episode of Thriller, Boris Karloff not only hosts but also stars!
An adaptation of the Edgar Allan Poe short story, this episode is about a man (Sidney Blackmer) who has very good reason to fear that he might end up being buried alive! Karloff appears as his loyal physician, who might be Blackmer’s only hope to avoid being murdered by his wife and her lover.
Enjoy!
For today’s adventure into the world of televised horror, we have another episode of the Boris Karloff-hosted anthology series, Thriller!
In this episode, a concert pianist (Judith Evelyn) is haunted by visions of mysterious piano and the sound of someone playing. Is she losing her mind, is she being set up, or is her house truly haunted? This enjoyable episode was directed by actress Ida Lupino.
For tonight’s episode of the Boris Karloff-hosted anthology series Thriller, we have “The Grim Reaper!”
The Grim Reaper tells the story of a mystery writer (Natalie Schaefer) who purchases a painting of the grim reaper. She claims that she’s just bought the painting as a bit of an ironic joke but her nephew (William Shatner!) claims that the painting has a violent history. Everyone who has owned it has died. At first, Schaefer is dismissive of Shatner’s story. But then, blood appears on the reaper’s scythe.
This enjoyable and fun little episode was written by Robert Bloch of Psycho fame. It was originally broadcast on June 13th, 1961.
Enjoy!
In tonight’s episode of the Boris Karloff-hosted anthology series, Thriller, Edward Andrews plays a bookseller who discovers that his wife has numerous lovers. Fortunately, he has a collection of books that is just full of good ways to take care of the competition!
This episode was written by Robert Bloch and was based on his short story.
Enjoy the little tribute to the power of literature!
For tonight’s televised horror, here’s another episode the Boris Karoloff-hosted anthology series, Thriller!
This episode, Well of Doom, shows what happens when two demons kidnap two men on their way to a bachelor party and force them to slog across the moors, to a mysterious castle. This episode is full of atmosphere and it also features great work from Henry Daniell and Richard Kiel as the two demons.
Enjoy!
For tonight’s episode of televised horror, we have the tenth episode of the Boris Karloff-hosted anthology series, Thriller!
In this episode, Boris Karloff not just hosts but also plays the main role, a mentalist named Clayton Mace. Mace has always been a self-admitted fake but suddenly, he starts to have real visions, all dealing with the death of people that he knows. Even worse, his predictions keep coming true…
As we all know, Karloff’s was the best and he definitely elevated this episode!
Enjoy!
For tonight’s televised horror, we have another episode of the Boris Karloff-hosted anthology series, Thriller!
In this episode, a religious fanatic in a named Freitag (Martin Gabel) lives in a resort community and targets young people who he believes have failed to live up to his standards. His latest targets are played by Olive Sturgess and Richard Chamberlain. This is actually a rather grisly little episode. With its theme of religious hypocrisy, I can only imagine how people reacted when it was first aired on November 1st, 1960.
Enjoy!
For tonight’s televised horror, we have The Purple Room, an episode of Thriller! This was an anthology series, which was hosted by Boris Karloff. Admittedly, Thriller was not always a horror show. Several of the episodes were crime stories that had a diabolical twist. But anything hosted by Boris Karloff is perfect for October viewing.
The Purple Room is the story of what happens when a skeptic (played by a young Rip Torn) learns that he must spend a year living in a house that may or may not be haunted. This episode is enjoyably creepy and, of course, it has a twist.
This episode originally aired on October 25th, 1960.
Today’s horror scene that I love comes from the 1939 film, The Walking Dead.
In this film, Boris Karloff plays a pianist who, after being framed for a murder he didn’t commit, is executed and then brought back to life by a scientist played by Edmund Gwenn. The re-animated Karloff sets out for revenge.
In this scene, Karloff plays the piano while some of the men who framed him sit out in the audience. Just check out the power of that Karloff glare!
