Twice-Told Tales

Twice-Told Tales is an American horror anthology film from 1963 that combines suspense with elements of gothic terror and romanticism. The movie includes three separate stories, with each story based on the works of renowned author Nathaniel Hawthorne. These tales come to life under the skilled direction of Sidney Salkow, starring the iconic horror genre stalwart, Vincent Price, along with other recognized actors like Sebastian Cabot and Brett Halsey. The film's title "Twice-Told Tales" refers to Hawthorne's collection of short stories first published in 1837, yet the film goes beyond a simple transposition of the written word on to the silver screen - it seeks rather to fully manifest Hawthorne's exploration of guilt, pride and social taboos through the medium of cinema.

The first tale is "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment". This melancholy story of lost love and desperate hope to reverse time itself. It serves as the opening act to the horror anthology, and stars Vincent Price in the role of the eccentric Dr. Carl Heidegger. The plot revolves around a magical water found in Dr. Heidegger’s cellar, which supposedly has the power to grant whoever drinks it transient youthfulness. The story masterfully highlights the timeless human trait that desires eternal youth, only to then be confronted by the tragic realization of its impossibility.

The second story is "Rappaccini’s Daughter", a tale entwining love and science. This showcases the character of Vincent Price as Dr. Giacomo Rappaccini, a doting, excessively over-protective father. He leaves no stone unturned to protect his daughter Beatrice, played by Joyce Taylor, but when Dr. Rappaccini's protection veers towards extreme experimentation, tragedy unfolds.

The final installment is the "House of Seven Gables" a story imbued with themes of legacy, betrayal, family curses, and the question of inherited guilt. Here, Vincent Price portrays the doomed character of Gerald Pyncheon who returns to his ancestral home, rumoured to carry a blood curse due to past misdeeds of its initial owners. Salkow blends elements of the supernatural with psychological horror to imbue this tale with just the right amount of eeriness.

Price, known for his unique blend of suave sophistication and subtle menace, delivers in each of his multifaceted roles, brilliantly capturing the dark essence of Hawthorne's narratives. Sebastian Cabot puts forth an equally riveting performance, most notably as the sinister brother Geoffrey Pyncheon in the "House of Seven Gables". Similarly, Brett Halsey impresses in his portrayal of Beatrice's love interest, Giovanni Guasconti, in "Rappaccini’s Daughter".

Twice-Told Tales stands as a testament to the timeless allure of anthology films. It presents three separate stories, linked by the common thread of gothic horror and an exploration of universal human desires and fears. Each story ends with an ironic twist, throwing light on the inevitable consequences of human folly, pride, and obsession, themes that are a quintessential part of Hawthorne's literary style. The stories cleverly use the conventions of the gothic horror genre to probe its characters deepest fears, liaisons, and hidden secrets. The result is a stylish, atmospheric film with strong dramatic performances that brings relevance to Hawthorne's 19th-century stories within a 20th-century cinematic context.

Despite its sinister themes, Twice-Told Tales also manages to create visually appealing scenes. Director Salkow and cinematographer Ellis W. Carter remarkably set a brooding and haunting environment, alongside meticulously crafted set designs to enhance the visual crises. The color palette used for the film accentuates the moody and sometimes fantastical nature of the tales that unfold.

What further separates Twice-Told Tales from contemporary horror films is its reliance on suspense, psychological horror, and the mental unraveling of its characters, rather than on explicit violence and gore. It is a film that haunts more in its ideas and the moral conundrums it presents, rather than in physical horror.

Overall, Twice-Told Tales brilliantly encapsulates dark, terror-laden narratives with striking visual storytelling and commendable performances. It takes the viewer on a journey through time, guilt, greed, obsessions, and the human desire for immortal youth, love, and legacy. It's an excellent watch for fans of Vincent Price, Nathaniel Hawthorne, as well as viewers who appreciate the horror anthology genre. Whether one enjoys the macabre tales of yesteryears or is a fan of traditional gothic storytelling, Twice-Told Tales serves as a narrative filled with haunting plots, cast in the exceptional craft of timeless cinema.