Review - Masters of Horror: Haeckel's Tale

An old time, cautionary tale about being careful about what it is you wish for . . .

. . . because it may not come in the form in which you wished for it.

This Masters of Horror episode entitled, Haeckel's Tale - the last of this season's episodes to be aired on Showtime - reminds us that sometimes it is best to leave well enough alone. We are first introduced to Edward Ralston (Steve Bacic) as he visits with Miz Carnation (Micki Maunsell). He wishes her to bring back his dead bride for whom he pines as it is rumored that she has the power to do so. However, Miz Carnation's powers are soured but she does promise him that if he hears the tale of Ernst Haeckel and still wishes her to bring back his dearly departed that she would.

Ernst Haeckel it seems was an aspiring doctor who was so full of himself and his abilities that he believed he would someday be able to bring back the dead using purely science. Although cocky and arrogant, he had thus far been unsuccessful in doing so. He took issue with the local necromancer Montesquino (Jon Polito) whom he felt was just bilking the townspeople for their money.

After receiving discouraging word about the health of his ailing father, Haeckel begins the long trip to see him. On his way he takes shelter by the roadside as it begins to rain. He is urged by a passerby, Walter Wolfram (Tom McBeath) to follow him to shelter away from the cemetery, as it is not safe there at night. At Walter’s home, we meet Elise (Leela Savasta) who is much younger than Walter and very, very beautiful. As Haeckel wrestles with his desires for Elise, Elise wrestles with desires of her own, but they are not for Haeckel. And on this night of all nights, she finds herself drawn to her dead first husband who has been brought back by Montesquino for a little romp in the moonlight.

Walter tries to explain to Haeckel that there is no stopping Elise but disgusted, he tries to save the fair maiden from Montesquino. However in the process, he winds up damning himself, Walter and Montesquino. The only one who seems to make out in this deal (both literally and figuratively) is Elise who is free to have her moonlight orgies whenever she chooses.

This was an interesting, pretty well played out story full of zombie love, necromancy and a lesson to heed those who know better than you. It has become one of my favorites in the series. And even though I am extremely disappointed that the final installment of the Masters of Horror series, Imprint directed by Takashi Miike, has been dubbed too much for Showtime, I am so looking forward to the second season.


Directed by
John McNaughton

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Clive Barker story
Mick Garris

Episode Cast (in alphabetical order)
Steve Bacic .... Edward Ralston
Derek Cecil .... Ernst Haeckel
Pablo Coffey .... Chester
Christopher DeLisle .... Elise's Dead Husband
Billy Drago
Warren Kimmel .... Kimmel
Youki Kudoh
Micki Maunsell .... Miz Carnation
Tom McBeath .... Walter Wolfram
Jill Morrison .... Rachel
Gerard Plunkett .... Dr. Hauser
Jon Polito .... Montesquino
Leela Savasta .... Elise Wolfram