Trilogy of Terror (also known in the United States as Tales of Terror and Terror of the Doll ) is a three part television horror thriller film, first aired on ABC on March 4, 1975. The film, directed by Dan Curtis and starring Karen Black in the four lead roles of each chapter, including roles as twin sisters, was originally a failed pilot for a horror anthology television series .
All three segments are based on unrelated short stories written by Richard Matheson, with film titles being the names for the film's protagonists, played by Black. Black initially turned the role down but eventually accepted when her then-husband, Robert Burton, was selected for the role of "Chad". . A television film sequel, Trilogy of Terror II, written and also directed by Dan Curtis was released in 1996.
Chad (Robert Burton) and Eddie (James Storm) are university students who admire their English teacher, Julie Eldrich (Karen Black). During one class, Chad is distracted by Julie's low cut shirt and begins to daydream about her. After revealing his fantasies to his friend Eddie, Eddie responds by describing Julie as "ugly" and discourages Chad against becoming romantically involved with teachers.