Creepshow (1982)

The film Creepshow (1982), directed by George A. Romero and written by Stephen King, marked King’s first foray into screenwriting. After young Billy Hopkins is caught reading the horror comic of the same name, his abusive father Stan disciplines him and throws the comic in the trash. As Billy sits upstairs, wishing his father ill will, he suddenly hears a noise at the window. The source of the sound is revealed to be none other than the Creep, beckoning Billy closer and removing the lid from the trash can.

Father’s Day. At the annual Grantham family dinner in June, Sylvia Grantham introduces her nephew Richard and niece Cass, accompanied by Cass’s husband Hank Blaine, to the rest of the clan. As they share stories about their family history, they mention Great Aunt Bedelia, who famously killed her father Nathan Grantham. Nathan was known for his corrupt ways and controlling behavior, which ultimately led to Bedelia’s mental instability and spinsterhood. She spent years as his caregiver after he suffered a stroke, enduring his constant demands and emotional abuse before snapping and committing the infamous murder.

The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill. Jordy Verrill, a comedic and dim-witted backwoods yokel (played by Stephen King), witnesses a meteorite crash landing on his farm. As he approaches the landing site, he gets a burn when attempting to touch it. Imagining selling the meteorite to the ‘Department of Meteors’ at the local college, Jordy hopes this will generate enough money to pay off a $200 bank loan. To be safe, he pours a bucket of water over the meteorite, causing it to crack and reveal glowing blue liquid. In his fantasy, Jordy envisions the ‘Department of Meteors’ refusing to buy the broken piece. Determined to fix it in the morning, he casually pours the liquid into the ground but not before it comes into contact with his skin.

Something to Tide You Over. Richard Vickers, a wealthy and ruthless man, has a charming demeanor that masks his callous and violent tendencies. He pays a visit to Harry Wentworth, the man involved in an affair with his wife Becky. Despite their lack of genuine affection for each other, Richard’s primary concern is always protecting what belongs to him. To uphold this principle, he resorts to extreme measures without hesitation. Instead of physically attacking Harry, Richard plays a recording of Becky pleading for his help. The two men then travel to Richard’s secluded beach house called Comfort Point. There, Richard draws attention to what seems to be a grave in the sand. In an impulsive move, Harry rushes towards it only to have Richard pull out a gun and point it at him.

The Crate. While conducting his janitorial duties at Horlicks University, Mike Latimer accidentally drops a quarter and it rolls behind a grate under a basement staircase. As he tries to retrieve the coin, he discovers a hidden wooden storage crate marked ‘Ship to Horlicks University via Julia Carpenter – Arctic Expedition – June 19, 1834’. Wanting to ensure the university is aware of this find, Mike contacts Professor Dexter Stanley, interrupting him at a faculty social gathering. Also in attendance are Professor Henry Northrup and his wife Wilma ‘Billie’, known for being obnoxious and emotionally abusive while under the influence. Despite having thoughts of killing his wife, Henry is too passive to act on them.

They’re Creeping Up on You!. The merciless Upson Pratt is a wealthy tycoon plagued by mysophobia. He isolates himself in a heavily-secured penthouse, relying on the telephone as his only means of communication. His interactions are mostly with his overworked employees, resembling the reclusive Howard Hughes. On a stormy evening, Pratt receives a call from George Gendron, one of his subordinates, reporting the successful takeover of Pacific Aerodyne by Pratt International. Gendron also reveals that this resulted in the suicide of rival businessman Norman Castonmeyer, much to Pratt’s satisfaction.