Trilogy of Terror (1975)


There are two movies with the title Trilogy of Terror.  The first was from 1968 and is a Brazilian horror anthology, with Jose Mojica Marins contributing a story, and the other is an American television movie that played on ABC in 1975.  While I have fond memories of a number of made-for-TV horror films - many of which get dashed when I see them again - this one is a bit too far back for me.  I would have been three years old at the time, and I guarantee the last segment, which is what everyone remembers from this, would have stuck with me. 

Unlike most anthologies there is no wraparound story, so we are immediately introduced to "Julie" (Karen Black), an English teacher at an unnamed university.  One day she catches the eye of a student named Chad (Robert Burton) who, not having any previous attraction to her, suddenly becomes obsessed.  When he is finally able to get her to go on a date he drugs her, takes photos and has his way with her, using the pictures as blackmail.  However, he is not necessarily who is in control. 

Control becomes a major issue in "Millicent and Therese", where Black plays both sisters.  Millicent is the nice one, if a bit uptight, while Therese is wanton and has a penchant for black magic.  As Millicent increasingly endures her sister's insults she hatches a plan to do away with her.  Finally, there is "Amelia", who buys a Zuni fetish doll for her new boyfriend who happens to be an anthropologist.  Although it is his birthday Amelia's mother makes her feel guilty, and she cancels the date.  Unfortunately, the doll itself has a life of its own.

"Julie" is creepy in its own way and another one of those times when I'm surprised about what made it to television at a time when standards and practices were a lot stricter.  It's okay, if a bit rushed, while "Millicent and Therese" falls flat due to being too predictable.  "Amelia", however, is what gave kids at the time nightmares.  Although all three entries are adapted from short stories by Richard Matheson the last is the sole entry where he also wrote the screenplay.  It is just Karen Black being chased by a doll, and it works.

Part of that reason is that Dan Curtis, who was behind Dark Shadows, pretty much knew how to work on a shoestring.  He couldn't afford stop motion for the doll so it is pretty much someone shaking it against a dark background to simulate motion and a few other tricks, particularly doing some early Steadicam work showing the point of view as it stalks Amelia. 

Although the reputation of the movie strongly rests on its last segment it is still a watchable anthology all the way through.  The combination of Curtis, Matheson and Black puts it quite a bit above most television movies of the time.  

Trilogy of Terror (1975)
Time: 72 minutes
Starring: Karen Black, Robert Burton, John Karlen, George Gaynes
Director: Dan Curtis

 

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