General Information

Director: Jeffrey Boam

Writer: Jeffrey Boam

Cast: Jeffrey Jones, Anthony Michael Hall, Nina Siemaszko, John Kassir, Julius Carry, Rae Norman, and Ivan E. Roth

Composer: Jay Ferguson

Air Date: 11/10/1993

Overview

Requiring a virgin sacrifice for the undead Pharaoh Ramseth (Ivan E. Roth), Professor Finley (Jeffrey Jones)—Egyptology expert and caretaker of a living mummy—and jock student Reggie Skulnick (Anthony Michael Hall) prey upon the innocence of bookworm Stella Bishop (Nina Siemaszko). Posing as an Egyptian princess, Stella attempts to win the affections of Pharaoh Ramseth and turn the tables on her captors in so doing.

The first and only mummy-themed episode of Tales from the Crypt, “Creep Course” should be viewed by classic horror fans and monster movie buffs alike. Particularly worth noting are the external characteristics of Pharaoh Ramseth, who, though stereotypical in appearance, is made frightening by the talents of an exceptional make-up department.

Pros

“Creep Course” deserves commendation for its nauseating gore effects, which will undoubtedly appeal to those who enjoy the gruesome, darkly comedic horror devices for which Tales from the Crypt is notorious. In one scene, for example, a man expels his liquefied viscera after consuming a deadly potion; moments later, a portion of another man’s brain is removed through his nostrils with an iron hook—stomach-churning images inspired, at least in part, by ancient Egyptian cultural practices. Similarly fantastic is the crumbling, decrepit countenance of Pharaoh Ramseth, whose visage may remind the audience of Boris Karloff as presented during the opening sequence of The Mummy (1932 version).

Cons

The cartoonishly evil performances of Jeffrey Jones (whom horror enthusiasts may recognize from Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, and Transylvania 6-5000) and Anthony Michael Hall (known for starring in the television series based on Stephen King’s The Dead Zone) tend to clash with the serious tone of this episode.

Analysis

Despite lacking a conventional struggle between good and evil forces (a hallmark of Universal Studios’ original Mummy series), “Creep Course” concludes on a note that will satisfy those with a compelling sense of justice.

Concluding Comments

This offering benefits from a creepy, monster-themed premise; a sympathetic protagonist; and a clever twist around the halfway mark. Therefore, Tales from the Crypt viewers will likely appreciate “Creep Course,” occasional weak points notwithstanding.

Overall Quality: 7/10

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