In Greek mythology, Pandora is sent to earth with a storage jar or “box” and is told not to open the container. Gifted with curiosity, Pandora opens the lid thereby releasing the evils of the world. Taken from the myth of Pandora’s Box, these short stories convey the various ways evil impacts the world and the continual fight between good and evil.
Wearing rabbit ears and fetching outfits, a lovely Pandora (Lucille Summers) relates each of the tales as they are reenacted for viewers; Pandora’s narration is euphonious and compelling, while the actors’ voices remain silent. Also directed by Jason DeStefano, Tales from Pandora’s Box: Chapter Two follows in 2022.
In 1886, in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Samuel Morgan, a pharmacist by day and scientist and inventor by night, wants to find a cure for the common cold. He enlists two assistants to help him with his scientific work but is unaware that both of these individuals have evil intent.
After eight months of hard work, the pharmacist perfects a stable compound. Caine, the male graduate assistant, wants to use the compound to create a mind-altering substance to control a soul’s being. Meela, the other assistant, also desires the compound; she steals the formula and murders Caine. However, Meela fails to take the pharmacist’s notes. These notes are passed down to the current generation.
In another tale, Shawn, an accountant, has inherited these scientific notes and is approached by Candice (Candy), an evil witch who wants the notes for her covenant. Candy befriends the accountant, gives him a potion to bewitch him, and steals the notes.
As each story unfolds, the box opens—taking viewers down a long dark hallway to the scene of the next tale. In each event, evil is either forced on someone or the person chooses the path of darkness. Toward the end, Pandora questions whether good can overcome the forces of evil, and she prays to God, the angels, and the saints. The stories are not over and evil persists in the world.
Without using a lot of graphic violence, the stories get their point across. Useful as a source for teaching with film, this narrative movie is appropriate for working with young adults or college students to discuss good versus evil. Also appropriate for your home video library. Optional purchase. Aud: H, C, P.
Discover more titles for your film collection in our list of horror movies.