A polish TV series which received some exposure in the UK and America in the early 1970s. The re-edited, English language version of the series appears to have been a 'hands across the water' affair, with the producing side being American, and the Christopher Lee hosted intros and outros, Ron Goodwin theme music and the dubbing representing the UK side. Information suggests the series was shown on late night ITV in 1973 and 1974 but I'm not aware if it was ever repeated. Despite Lee's presence and the Theatre Macabre title, the series doesn't limit itself to horror, with episodes spanning romance, tragedy and bawdy comedy. If you want to skip to the red meat, the horror themed episodes are The Tortures of Hope, The Vampire, The System of Dr Tarr and Professor Fether, Tell-Tale Hearts and The Resurrection of Offland. I've also enjoyed Mateo Falcone, The Husband Under the Bed, Decameron, Markheim, and Pavoncello. I can't tell a lie though, a few episodes of this are a bore, but even when they are a chore to get through, the costumes and polish scenery ensures that Theatre Macabre is always a thing of beauty...as they are fond of saying in highbrow circles..."every shot is suitable for framing, darling"
