‘Creepshow’ (1982): 10 classic quotes and why they’re so great!

Creepshow – Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

As most horror fans know, plans are in effect for a “Creepshow” series. Here are 10 quotes from the original film, and some comments!

Creepshow  is a fun movie, of course, but a big part of its appeal is how it addresses serious matters. There are themes of revenge, being driven crazy by abusive or murderous people, being overpowered and overrun by alien, invasive forces and being obsessed with power over people.

In other words, it takes some real sick minds to transform such themes into comedic, horror gold. Fortunately, that’s exactly what happened when Stephen King, George A. Romero and Tom Savini stepped to the plate and knocked it out of the park!

Here are the quotes, which help remind us that good writing can happen in horror:

Wilma in Creepshow, courtesy of Warner Bros.

"1. “I mean, some of these so-called academics make the shark in Jaws look like f**kin’ Flipper!” — Wilma “Billy” Northrup 2. “You know what, Henry? You’re a regular barnyard exhibit. Sheep’s eyes, chicken guts, piggy friends… and s**t for brains.” — Wilma “Billy” Northrup"

Wilma isn’t exactly evil. In fact, there are almost signs of her being good. Still, that’s a big almost. Still, in some ways, a viewer should almost feel conflicted about anything bad happening to her. Again, though, that’s a big almost. Fact of the matter is, Wilma is annoying as hell, and her husband Henry basically can’t stand her anymore.

In fact, Wilma’s almost a perfect representation of the hardship caused by a stereotypical, nagging, emasculating woman. She’s obnoxious to the point where anyone with sense will say, “Okay, she isn’t exactly evil, but she’s damn near close enough.”

That’s why “The Crate” is one of the perfect guilty pleasure revenge fantasy stories. Fluffy does the deed so we never have to. Henry may technically be guilty of murder, but we see why he did it. We know what made him snap, and snapping was for him a moment of clarity.

Billy in Creepshow, courtesy of Warner Bros.

"3. [Discussing his Creepshow comics with his dear ol’ dad.] “I wanna see how it’s any worse than the books you keep in your dresser. Those ones under your underwear. Those sex books.” — Billy (the boy from the “wraparound” segments)"

Billy wins himself a little smack from his dad for saying it, but it’s perfectly understood why he said it. Quite simply, Billy’s dad — who is apparently named Stan — represents the overpowered, overworked, ignorant and toweringly repressive father figure who feels his child is corrupting his mind with all that juvenile horror filth and science fiction crap! Billy, of course, represents the opposite — youth, vitality, intelligence, creative mischief and imaginative freedom.

In a way, Billy is the spirit and mascot of Creepshow, just as much as any monster. Like with Henry and Wilma, we understand pretty well why Billy hates his dad. In fact, how cowardly is it to have a bad day at work, come home and take it out on one’s relatively powerless child? Whap! Whap! Whap!

Creepshow makes us wonder: What if it’s the child with the belt, or pulling the hair, or sending Mom and Dad to their room? Sometimes it should be, and Billy knows it! He’s not big enough to fight his dad, but let’s see what the voodoo doll he ordered can accomplish….

Creepshow – Courtesy of Warner Bros

"4. “Oh, Jordy Verrill, you lunkhead!” — Jordy Verrill, lunkhead extraordinaire 5. “That’s a meteor. I’ll be dipped in sh*t if that ain’t a meteor!” — Jordy Verrill, lunkhead extraordinaire"

No one’s accused Jordy Verrill of being a genius. In fact, it seems no one’s accused Jordy Verrill of much of anything, as he seems quite isolated as a character. Although he seems good-natured, it seems like everyone just ignores him for his simple mind, and it’s created a desire for him to achieve something grand. Still, life constantly brings back his self-deprecating nature, and the cruel joke always seems to be on him.

When the meteor crashes in his backyard, his initial fantasies of striking it rich with $200 are dashed against the rocks, as his plan backfires very quickly. Still, in a rather bizarre twist, Jordy almost does accomplish something grand, as what he discovered will indeed impact the world — perhaps even irrevocably. It is a meteor, and so much more!