#twice-told tales (1963)

[weirdlookindog]

Twice-Told Tales (1963)

[haveyouseenthishorrormovie]

SUMMARY: Three horror stories based on the writings of Nathaniel Hawthorne.

[erstwhile-punk-guerito]

[ennaih]

Every Film I Watch In 2023:

231. Twice-Told Tales (1963)

[ilovemesomevincentprice]

Vincent Price with his co-star behind the scenes of Twice-Told Tales (1963)

[talesfromthecrypts]

Twice-Told Tales (1963) dir. Sidney Salkow

[scotianostra]

On October 4th 1843, Allen Mair was hung for the murder of his wife, Mary Fletcher.

A sad tale for all involved, this is a double hammy, Mair, aged 84, or 85 depending on the source. He became the oldest known person ever executed in Scotland, and the last recorded hanging in Stirling. Not only this, but Allen Mair, who obviously was a man who held his own importance above all others was also noted for his unusually long, bitter scaffold speech, as recorded in Alex Young’s book The Encyclopaedia of Scottish Executions 1750 to 1963.

Before you start feeling sorry for the old guy read on.........

The crime happened at Candie End or Curshort parish of Muiravonside, on the night of Sunday 14th, or morning of Monday the 15th May that year, by” beating her with a stick or other weapon, by which she came by her death”.

In his youth, Mair had worked for the Earl of Selkirk, moving to America where he made a small fortune in the wool trade. Returning to Scotland, most of his money was soon squandered in petty legal squabbles, leaving Mair a poor man and what has been described in one source as misanthropic, in other words, he was a crabbit auld bastard.

Witnesses at the trial testified that Mary Fletcher had been abused by him for years, including being starved as well as placed in a locked box-bed for long periods of time. one said she had visited Mary once or twice a day and that round New Year when she had gone round, Mary had complained of having a sore back and she noticed she was not walking very well. She also stated, in front of Mair, that she had not had any food from him, as he had a habit of keeping the provisions locked so she could not get them. He shouted at her and wished her in hell with her soul burning. It was claimed he starved her frequently, but her neighbours provided her with what food they could spare, but this was always done when he was out. Countless times, Mair was witnessed abusing her.

The witness, a Helen Bennie last saw Mary on 14th May around seven o’clock when she gave her some supper. Soon afterwards she was aware of the sound of blows raining down and Mary crying out. They sounded to her like hammering. She heard Mary say for Mair to stop hitting her and to let her die in peace.

The next morning, having been too afraid to knock on the door, Bennie went round with some tea. It was then she saw Mary in the bed, bruised, blood covering her shirt and her arms bare. There was blood on the bed itself. She offered her the tea while Mair went to the minister’s house.

Mary told her Mair had beaten her. Bennie sent for a police officer and Mair was duly arrested.

Shortly afterwards, Mary died.

While he was incarcerated in the condemned cell with his legs shackled to a chain rooted in the flagstone floor, he refused food for four or five days in protest. He soon gave up. Condemned prisoner Allan Mair appealed to the Secretary of State for Scotland, but it fell on deaf ears with him stating: ‘The law must take its course’. The conviction stood and the night before his execution he heard the scaffold being erected outside and said what a horrible thing it was to be hanged like a dog.

On waking at 5am on Wednesday, October 4, 1843, one of his keepers read the bible to him and later he was visited Rev Mr Stark. Mair told him he was going to address the crowd and tell them how unjustly he had been treated. At 8 o’clock the provost and magistrates entered the Court Hall and Mair was brought in soon afterwards accompanied by two officers as well as the clergymen who had seen to his spiritual guidance. He was seen to be bent almost double and was weeping bitterly. A short passage was read to him form the bible while he rocked himself back and forth. During all of this he kept wringing his hands. Once this was complete, he was offered a glass of wine but refused, stating he would not go into the hands of god drunk.

The executioner then tied Mair’s arms behind him. He complained the ties were too tight. He was brought to the scaffold in Broad Street, but he was weak, so a chair was brought to him.

He shouted at the crowd he was innocent, that he had been ‘unjustly condemned through false swearing’. He cursed those who had convicted him. He paused so the executioner stepped forward and asked him if he was ready. ‘No, sir, I am not done,’ he replied. Mair turned to the crowd again and stated, ‘I have been unjustly accused, falsely sworn against and unlawfully condemned.’ He went on for another five minutes by which time the crowd was becoming impatient

Executed Today web site give part of his rant as...

The meenister o’ the paarish invented lees against me. Folks, yin an’ a, mind I’m nae murderer, and I say as a dyin’ man who is about to pass into the presence o’ his Goad. I was condemned by the lees o’ the meenister, by the injustice of the Sheriff and Fiscal, and perjury of the witnesses. I trust for their conduct that a’ thae parties shall be overta’en by the vengeance of Goad, and sent into everlasting damnation. I curse them with the curses in the Hunner an’ Ninth Psalm: “Set thou a wicked man o’er them” — an haud on thee, hangman, till I’m dune — “An’ let Satan stand at their richt haun. Let their days be few, let their children be faitherless, let their weans be continually vagabonds”; and I curse them a —

At this point the hood was placed over his head and the hangman adjusted the rope round his neck. He was forced out of his chair and while he was still muttering and wasn’t done raging. The old guy got his hands free and grabbed the rope, delaying his strangulation; the slipshod executioner had to fight off his prey’s clutches to hang him.

The last words I can find that he muttered were....

"I pray that God may send his curse upon all connected with my trial - I curse all the witnesses with all the curses of the 109th Psalm."

The decision to hang such an old and probably deranged man horrified many. The Spectator offered mock thanks to Sir James Graham for sending a message of deterrence to Britain's octogenarians. The weekly condemned the hanging as "an act of barbarism... which will stand as an instance of national debasement."

The second pic is from a Broadside entitled 'Execution of Allan Mair, you can read the full transcript on the link below.

https://digital.nls.uk/broadsides/view/?id=14745...

[gatutor]

Vincent Price-Beverly Garland "Un trío de terror" (Twice-told tales) 1963, de Sidney Salkow.

[movie-titlecards]

Twice-Told Tales (1963)

My rating: 6/10

Eh, you know what? I think once is plenty.

[pulpsandcomics2]

Twice Told Tales 1963

[zombiequeenblog]

So I've only seen a few things with Vincent Price, but your posts and tags always really make me want to watch more! Which movies of his would you recommend the most?

Oh, I'm so glad! I am quite a new fan girlie of his, there are others here who know way more about him than I do, like the lovely @ilovemesomevincentprice of course!

The more I learn about him the more I absolutely adore him, and though I haven't seen all of his work yet what I have seen has been absolutely delightful!

Dragonwyck (1946) black and white period drama based on the novel which is very good as well. Every farm girl's dream of marrying a handsome and wealthy landowner and going to live in his manor in 19th century New York. Vinny is so very dashing, and not quite the hero (that sneer!) and there is a beautiful ballroom dancing scene out on the balcony. The Cardinal catches Mouse reading this novel on his bed in sadglo after the disastrous dinner party lol.

House on Haunted Hill (1959) black and white horror film. Campy, creepy, and fun, with a very sexy dysfunctional marriage, and some delicious hair-pulling. There is a 1999 remake where Geoffrey Rush plays a hammed up version of Vincent Price which is also worth a cheesy watch, though it can't hold a candle to the original. Also, how do I become a cigarette?

Tales of Terror (1962) horror trilogy based on tales from Edgar Allan Poe. Some incestous vibes, comedy, and beautiful ladies swooning in terror. In my favourite tale, there is a star of a black cat and Vinny as a delightful wine taster, and lover (almost Terzo-esque). Also a horrible wtf dream sequence lol.

The Haunted Palace (1963) horror film with wonderful Poe and Lovecraftian vibes. I just want to live there with him, in his candle-lit mansion. And be assaulted in my bed in the middle of the night. I think I deserve that.

Twice-Told Tales (1963) another horror anthology, based on the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne (he wrote The Scarlet Letter). More incestous vibes, blood, and Vinny throwing a pretty lady to the ground! He literally slaps in this film, I don't know if he's ever been more handsome.

The Comedy of Terrors (1964) horror comedy film which is an absolute delight! So good. Vinny is an absolute jerk in this, a real dick, a bastard, yet somehow you can't help but love him! Another cat (orange this time), Vinny in a waistcoat, and sexy strangulation.

The Masque of the Red Death (1964) horror film with more Poe vibes. Vinny is very Cardinal in this, he plays a literal satanist! What I would give to be taken up to his castle, and persuaded to share in his unholy faith! So much sexual tension here, it's maddening.

The Great Mouse Detective (1986) I had to include this animated mystery adventure sherlock film because it was one of my favs as a little girl and I didn't even know that Vinny voiced the villain! A rat, no less! In a black suit and cape! There is also a cat, lol. Vinny performs two songs in this, and he's delightful, I just love it!

Vincent was so talented, and seemed to impart a sensual depth to every villain, making them much more interesting than any hero could ever be. He is so very Cardinal Copia-esque, in his looks and in his mannerisms, so my love for him just feels natural. A wonderful man, who played wonderful characters flawlessly!

Sic transit gloria mundi.

[weirdlookindog]

Twice-Told Tales (1963) - Danish program

[haveyouseenthishorrormovie]

Stats from Movies 901-1000

Top 10 Movies - Highest Number of Votes

Scooby-Doo On Zombie Island (1998) had the most votes with 906 votes. The Privilege (2022) had the least votes with 312 votes.

The 10 Most Watched Films by Percentage

Scooby-Doo On Zombie Island (1998) was the most watched film with 67.3% of voters out of 906 saying they had seen it. The Key (2023) with 0.2% of voters out of 457, and Martin's Close (2019) with 0.2% of voters out of 415, had the least "Yes" votes.

The 10 Least Watched Films by Percentage

The Masque of the Red Death (1964) was the least watched film with 50.3% of voters out of 485 saying they hadn’t seen it. The Tractate Middoth (2013) had the least "No" votes with 5.3% of voters out of 433.

The 10 Most Known Films by Percentage

Frankenweenie (2012) was the best known film, 2.4% of voters out of 622 saying they’d never heard of it.

The 10 Least Known Films by Percentage

Madayen (2016) was the least known film, 93.8% of voters out of 388 saying they’d never heard of it.

The movies part of the statistic count and their polls below the cut.

The Devil Rides Out (1968) In the Dark Half (2012) The Isle (2018) Lord of Tears (2013) The Hole in the Ground (2019) The Hallow (2015) Hollow (2011) The Pit and the Pendulum (1961) The Masque of the Red Death (1964) The Haunted Palace (1963) The Den (2013) The Wolf House (2018) When Black Birds Fly (2015) I Saw the Devil (2010) Speak No Evil (2022) Fall (2022) Paradise Hills (2019) Spoonful of Sugar (2022) Coherence (2013) I See You (2019)

Eden Lake (2008) Magic (1978) Twice-Told Tales (1963) Vile (2011) Velvet Buzzsaw (2019) The Privilege (2022) The Loved Ones (2009) Fender Bender (2016) Cherry Falls (1999) Scooby-Doo On Zombie Island (1998)

Bedevil (1993) The Rezort (2015) Aquaslash (2019) X-Cross (2007) Impetigore (2019) Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018) The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) Jeruzalem (2015) The Key (2023) A House in Jerusalem (2023)

Frankenweenie (2012) The Milpitas Monster (1976) Blood Diner (1987) The Sickhouse (2008) Opera (1987) Vampires (1998) Vampires: Los Muertos (2002) Antichrist (2009) Cure (1997) It's Alive (1974)

It's Alive (2009) Donnie Darko (2001) The Second Coming (2014) Delicatessen (1991) Vamp (1986) 13 Beloved (2006) 13 Sins (2014) Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter (2001) Frontier(s) (2007) The Third Saturday in October Part V (2022)

The Third Saturday in October (2022) Tomie (1998) Coven of Sisters (2020) Alucarda (1977) Blood Monkey (2007) The Skin I Live In (2011) Maniac Cop (1988) Phoenix Forgotten (2017) Area 51 (2015) Livid (2011)

976-EVIL (1988) Header (2006) Dachra (2018) Djinn (2013) Leviathan (1989) Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) Madayen (2016) Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995) The Night (2020) Achoura (2018)

It Lives Again (1978) Beau Is Afraid (2023) It's Alive III: Island of the Alive (1987) Dark Dungeons (2014) Teen Lust (2014) Bubba Ho-Tep (2002) The Wraith (1986) The Mutilator (1984) Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000) Mermaid in a Manhole (1988)

Slashers (2001) Martin's Close (2019) The Tractate Middoth (2013) Julia's Eyes (2010) 30 Days of Night (2007) Otesánek (2000) A Dark Song (2016) The Blackcoat's Daughter (2015) Mr. Jones (2013) I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016)

[deadfocusreviews]

"Twice-Told Tales" is a 1963 horror film based on a collection of short stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Vincent Price stars in the film, playing various characters throughout the different tales. The stories in "Twice-Told Tales" are dark and macabre, exploring themes of guilt, revenge, and the supernatural. Throughout the film, there are many instances of horror and loss, including: "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment": In this tale, a group of elderly friends drink from a fountain of youth, only to discover that the rejuvenation is temporary. When they revert to their old selves, they realize that they have wasted their newfound youth on petty squabbles and regrets. “Rappaccini's Daughter": This story follows a young woman who has been raised by her father to be poisonous to the touch. When a young man falls in love with her, he discovers too late the deadly consequences of their relationship "The House of the Seven Gables": This story centers on a family cursed by a long-ago injustice. As the family members struggle to escape their fate, they face tragedy and loss The Haunted Palace": In this tale, a man returns to his ancestral home, only to discover that it is haunted by the ghost of his evil ancestor. As the ghost takes possession of the man's body, he becomes a vessel for the ancestor's malevolent spirit. Throughout "Twice-Told Tales," there are many examples of horror and loss, including death, betrayal, and supernatural forces. Vincent Price's performances in the various tales help to bring these chilling stories to life, adding to the overall sense of dread and foreboding that pervades the film. #vincentprice #horrormovies #kinolorber #anthology https://www.instagram.com/p/CpqaZg_Ojke/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fed-erratas]

[ilovemesomevincentprice]

Vincent Price as Gerald Pyncheon -

Twice-Told Tales; House of the Seven Gables (1963) dir. Sydney Salkow