Watch Twice-Told Tales

Twice-Told Tales is a 1963 horror anthology film directed by Sidney Salkow and starring Vincent Price, Sebastian Cabot, and Brett Halsey. The film is based on three stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne: "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment," "Rappaccini's Daughter," and "The House of the Seven Gables." Each segment is introduced by Vincent Price, who portrays the narrator, a descendant of the author, as well as various roles throughout the film.

The first segment, "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment," is a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking eternal youth. Dr. Heidegger (Price) invites his old friends to partake in a potion that will restore their youth, but they soon realize that their newfound vitality has unintended consequences. The segment is notable for its moody and atmospheric cinematography, as well as Price's engaging performance as the mad doctor.

The second segment, "Rappaccini's Daughter," is a tragic love story set in 18th-century Italy. Giovanni (Brett Halsey), a young medical student, falls in love with Beatrice (Joyce Taylor), the beautiful daughter of Dr. Rappaccini (Sebastian Cabot), a renowned botanist who has been experimenting with toxic plants. As their romance blossoms, Giovanni begins to suspect that Beatrice may be poisonous. This segment is notable for its lush costumes and production design, as well as Cabot's nuanced performance as the conflicted father.

The final segment, "The House of the Seven Gables," is a Gothic tale set in a cursed mansion in 19th-century New England. Vincent Price portrays Jaffrey Pyncheon, a wealthy and ruthless landowner who inherits the haunted house from his father. Upon moving in, he becomes obsessed with finding the rumored treasure hidden within the walls. However, he soon discovers that the ghosts of the past are not so easily laid to rest. This segment is notable for its spooky and atmospheric visuals, as well as Price's hammy yet compelling performance as the villainous Pyncheon.

Overall, Twice-Told Tales is a stylish and entertaining horror anthology that showcases the talents of its impressive cast. While not quite on par with other horror anthologies of its time, like Roger Corman's Poe adaptations or Mario Bava's Black Sabbath, it still manages to deliver plenty of thrills and chills. Fans of classic horror should definitely check it out.

Twice-Told Tales is a 1963 horror movie with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.