You know the tales.
You get 3 wishes. Each goes horribly wrong…
These tales were some of my favorites as a youth. From the Arabic tales of the Djinn (Genie) leaving poor souls in desparate situations (Disney’s Aladdin has been pacified as all other Disney films), on through more traditional tales of magic fish or other beings known to grant wishes.
Last night was a real treat. The Chiller Network was doing their tribute to St Patty’s day. Now, the guide on the Direct TV said I was tuning in to see an episode of the scariest places on earth. I was surprised to find a fascinating treat from my childhood.
The Leprechaun Artist. I recalled this episode fondly. And got a good chuckle as it proceeded along it’s predictable path.
I though I would take the opportunity to share a personal favorite of mine among these wish-granter tales.
I recall reading this in school, and being fascinated by it. I find today’s childrens tales of things like Goosebumps and similar style to be quite silly, and far less terrifying than these old school notions of keeping the horror in the reader’s imagination. Seldom do we see new fare that lives up to the old classics.
It was even a feature of that scary radio show my older brother and I would stay awake to listen to. One of the few episodes that made a lasting impression.
And, for a real treat, here is a reading of the Monkey’s Paw, along with some other greats, by John Lithgow.
It was a rare treat to stumble across that at work late one Sunday evening (years ago, back on the weekend shift)