There would be room in the Nightmare on Elm Street-verse for a 900 number that would end up trying to kill you. That’s a very Nightmare on Elm Street way to die, and very ’80s. We got the tongue phone in the original and again in New Nightmare, but that’s more of a Freddy prank and not a true mortal threat.
![](https://i1.wp.com/www.timidfutures.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fred-3.jpg?fit=500%2C373)
Here in the real world we got a 900 number for Freddy but instead of killing you, it just disappoints you.
![](https://i2.wp.com/www.timidfutures.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fred-4.jpg?fit=500%2C373)
Freddy’s got some “deadtime stories…straight from the boiler room to your home!” What terrifying tales awaited callers? Must be something truly chilling to justify that two-dollar-first-minute, right?
Well, when you called in you were treated to a quick Freddy intro followed by a lengthy scary story narrated by someone who wasn’t Freddy. A lengthy story, but not a meaty one; these were pretty simple “and then they ran into a homicidal maniac” stories. Freddy then returns after the story concludes and vamps for as long as you have forty-cents-es.
![](https://i1.wp.com/www.timidfutures.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fred-2.jpg?fit=500%2C373)
I have to give them some credit: these are impressively recorded stories. There are multiple voice actors, sound effects, the works. It’s like a radio play, probably was a radio play purchased and played out in lo-fi on a telephone line. Here’s 45 minutes of the calls – judge for yourself. Be warned: those Freddy puns are FRIGHTFULLY lacking.
-ds