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City Of The Dead

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The 1960 British film "City of the Dead", or as it is more popularly known in the US as "Horror Hotel", has finally been given the deluxe DVD treatment it deserves. I have seen this film countless times since I first saw it on television back in 1966 in numerous edited versions, and in varying degrees of quality. Made on a modest budget, similar to the Val Lewton chillers of the 1940s, it has remained one of my all-time favorite horror films. Stage actress Patricia Jessel (she won a Tony Award for the role of the duplicitous Christine Vole in Agatha Christie's "Witness for the Prosecution") plays Elizabeth Selwyn, burned as a witch in Whitewood, a New England village in 1692. Selwyn made a pact with Lucifer prior to her death, placed a curse on the village, and has indeed returned from the dead, running the Raven's Inn (guests check in, but don't check out!), and, basically, all of Whitewood. The citizens of the creepy, run-down village, with the exception of blind Reverend Russell (Norman McCowan) and his granddaughter Patricia (Betta St. John), are all witches, so the place isn't exactly a big "tourist draw". Enter shapely blonde co-ed Nan Barlow (Venetia Stevenson, daughter of director John Stevenson and actress Anna Lee) who has come to Whitewood to write a term paper on witchcraft, upon the recommendation of her professor, Alan Driscoll (a suavely sinister Christopher Lee). Miss Barlow checks into the Raven's Inn, and becomes a sacrificial victim of Ms. Selwyn and her pals on Candelmas Eve. A subsequent investigation of her disappearance, led by her brother and boyfriend, along with the assistance of Patricia Russell, leads to a hair-raising climax. The film is chock-full of horror movie cliches, but they work! Dark, film-noirish photography, loads of fog, cobweb-filled catacombs, run-down graveyards, they're all here, and they are simply perfect. This film is practically a style source for Goths! Douglas Gamley's musical score (a hybrid of horror movie meets Gregorian chant, with some jazz passages thrown in) is catchy and memorable, and the actors' performances, particularly that of the "heavies" (especially Ms. Jessel), are good , making for a very entertaining and satisfying 78 minutes. VCI has gone right to the source, the original British print, and has restored 2 minutes of footage that have been unseen in American prints, and that's only the beginning. The picture quality is superb, tho maybe a tad grainy in spots, and is presented in widescreen format. The sound quality is good, nothing spectacular, and then there are the extra features! Interviews with director John Llewellyn Moxey, Christopher Lee (that's "Sir" Christopher Lee now!), and Venetia Stevenson, talent bios, a photo gallery, the original American teaser-trailer, and fun art and graphics add immeasurably to this love letter DVD to a well-made, genuinely creepy film. If you are a fan of classic horror films, this is a must-own. If you are an aspiring horror-film maker, this is an excellent textbook example on how to make a well-crafted, tight film on a modest budget. "Those fingers through my hair, that sly, come-hither stare, that strips my conscience bare..."

Down a long, deserted and all but forgotten backroad in rural Massachusetts stands the town of Whitewood. No longer appearing on any current maps, the only people who know of its existence are some of the older locals from neighboring towns who would stay away at all costs and of course the witches.

According to legend Whitewood was cursed by Elizabeth Selwyn (Patricia Jessel) and handed over to Lucifer as she burned at the stake in 1692 for practicing witchcraft and consorting with the Devil. Now some 250 plus years later the 'Raven's Inn' stands in the historic spot of the event.

Nan Barlow (Venetia Stevenson), a pretty college coed comes to Whitewood on the recommendation of her professor, Alan Driscoll (Christopher Lee) to do some primary research for her term paper on Witchcraft. She checks into the 'Raven's Inn' and is never heard from again. Her sudden and unexpected disappearance brings her brother and boyfriend to Whitewood to find her and instead discover a nest of witches in search of yet another sacrifice for Candlemass Eve.

One of the earliest and in my estimation one of the best British horror films ever. Released in the U.S.A. under the title, 'Horror Hotel', the American version is two minutes shorter than its British counterpart, 'City of the Dead.' The additional material is at the beginning of the movie during the burning at the cross sequence when the accused witch is calling upon Lucifer to curse Whitewood. It doesn't add much to the plot, but if you're a purist like I am it's nice to have the film intact in its original form.

This may have been produced on a small budget, but they made up for it with a great storyline, some ingenious atmospheric effects, an eerie soundtrack and an excellent cast. Besides those aready mentioned, also wonderful performances by: Betta St. John, Dennis Lotis and Valentine Dyall as Jethrow.

Christopher Lee has been an amazing actor, and in the twilight of this career at over 80 years old he is still doing fine work in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Star Wars II and III(coming). However, most of us grew to love his body of work back in the period of Hammer Studios heyday. Hammer, to lovers of horror, gave us some of the greatest film. Cheap on budget, high on quality, they gave you fun from vampires, to outer-space monster to witches. Directed by the marvelous John Llewellyn Moxey, Horror Hotel was it's alternative title.

Chris Lee is Professor Alan Driscole, in Massachusetts in the US, and he is teaching a course on the witchcraft burnings of a near by town called Whitewater, similar to the Salem hysteria. A student, Nan Driscole, is looking to do more in-depth research, so Driscole suggests she travel to Whitewater and sends her to stay at an inn there on her winter vacation. Raven's Inn is run by Mrs. Neils, a friend of Driscole, and she welcomes Nan though says the hotel is closing. Nan learns a witch, Elizabeth Sewlyn. was burned on the spot where the inn stands. Newlis is a strange woman and it quickly becomes apparent there are dark doings at Raven's Inn. Nan is welcome for reasons Nan knows nothing about, and quickly finds herself marked for sacrifice.

When Nan fails to return, her brother travels to the strange village that seems trapped in time. It is dark, brooding and literally reeks atmosphere (as only good Black and White horror films can!). Nan is not to be found and Mrs. Newlis claims Nan left after only a few days stay. However, the woman who runs the bookstore believes something happened to Nan and helps him in trying to find out what.

A eerie Black and White film that is super for a late Saturday night horror fest! The Quality of the transfer is super crisp!

I first saw this movie in the mid 70's late one Saturday night on Sinister Cinema in Portland, OR and it kind of scared the crap out of me. They replayed it about a year later and same thing: It scared the crap out of me. I have now seen it 6 or 7 times over the years including twice in the last few months with the VCI Entertainment version of the dvd.

The movie doesn't scare me like it used to, but it still amazes me how it transports me into it's own world of the fog shrouded town of Whitewood, Massachusetts. The story itself is common enough: A woman (Patricia Jessel) is burned at the stake for witchcraft and she leaves a curse on the people of the town as she is consumed by the flames. Forward 300 years to the present day and we have Nan Barlow (Venetia Stevens) as a self determined college student who decides to write a paper on witchcraft. Her professor, Alan Driscoll (Christopher Lee), gives her directions to the town of Whitewood where 300 years earlier an alleged witch was burned at the stake. She goes to the town and after a few days disappears. Her brother then goes to the hotel where she was last seen, and runs into all kinds obstacles, not the least of which is the innkeeper of the Whitewood Inn, who just happens to look exactly like the witch burned 300 years earlier, and also Christopher Lee who happens to be a long ago resident of Whitewood

There is an old, blind priest who stays in his church despite the fact that he has no congregation. His granddaughter, Betta St. John (Patricia Russell), who seems to not be a witch, and has just returned to the town to take care of her grandfather, runs the local used book and antique store. She had befriended Nan before she disappeared and is now working with her brother, Dennis Lotis (Richard Barlow), to try and find out what happened to Nan.

Of course they run into the witches along they way and there is a showdown of sorts. The strength of this movie is in it's crisp acting and smart script. Especially notable are Patricia Jessel, Christopher Lee and Venitia Stevens. Despite it's low budget, the director, John Llewellyn Moxey, has made an altogether unforgettable film. This ranks right up there with other unique horror movies such as Carnival of Souls (1962), The Wicker Man (1973), The Thing From Another World (1951), and Village of the Damned (1960).

The VCI Entertainment release is just what this movie has needed for years. An excellent transfer at 1.66:1 with two extra minutes of footage added from previous video and dvd releases. There is a commentary by director John Llewellyn Moxey and another separate commentary by Christopher Lee. There are also three interview segments with Lee, Moxey and Venetia Stevenson. Pretty impressive extras for a 40 year old low budget movie.

The commentary by Christopher Lee is interesting in that he has not seen this movie since it came out 41 years earlier. He is watching it with an interviewer from VCI who knows more about what is going on in the movie than Lee does. But Lee's ability to recall information about people and give anecdotal information is unsurpassed. He is literally a walking, talking encyclopedia of info on people he has worked with over the years.

This is one of my prize dvd's and I really cannot recommend it highly enough. The VCI version lists for around $$ but I have seen it cheaper. There are also several basic versions without the extras (or extra footage) of the movie along with another movie on one dvd. Most notably the Diamond Entertainment version where it is packaged along with Carnival of Souls for under $.

Horror Hotel was originally released in 1960, the same year as Alfred HItchcock's original Psycho. Apparently, it was also made on a much lower budget and I suspect these factors may be responsible for this film's unjust obscurity. I originally saw this movie only once, over 20 years ago, but some vivid images of certain scenes really stuck with me. The release to video, and now even DVD, has been long awaited. This b&w classic features a very young Christopher Lee in a simple but eerie tale involving witchcraft and the mysterious disappearance of a woman college student in a small New England town.

There are definitely some parts of this film that scare without a drop of blood ever being shown. In addition to the topics of devil worship and witchcraft, the b&w cinematgraphy, the background music & chanting, the foggy night setting, the desolateness of the town and the aura of each of the characters all add to the mysterious and eerie atmosphere of this film.

This movie appeals to the fundamental elements of all fans of the horror genre. We like horror movies because part of us is naturally and curiously drawn to intrigue and mystery. A part of us will identify with the curiosity of the woman studying witchcraft. The trap door she opens under the rug in her hotel room symbolizes a willingness to explore the dark, mysterious and intriguing unknown. I won't say another word ... other than if you collect horror movies, you will definitely want to own this one. It's also worth the rental if you can find a video store that has a copy.

Another wonderful Christopher Lee horror film centered on witchery in New England. Very atmospheric, with a neat chilling musical theme that adds to the suspense. This film was made back in the early days of "Hammer" Studios when Mr. Lee was starting to appear in small budget horror from England. The story was centered on this little town in New England which housed a coven of witches. Back in the seventeen hundreds Elizabeth Selwin was burned at the stake, and she and her followers are re-incarnated into present day. Elizabeth runs a hotel whose customers check in and never check out.

You won't be disappointed if you like a scare particularly on a rainy night. It's filmed in Black and White which adds to the atmosphere. I don't think the film would be as good if it was in color.

It sures beats some of the present day horror in theatres today. Good story and well directed. You won't get bored with this one!

Be careful when it's the witching hour!

John

Horror Hotel is probably one of the coolest PG-13 rated movies I've ever seen. If I were to make a list of my top favorite classic horror films, Horror Hotel (aka City of the Dead) would be somewhere near the top of my list. It's a true classic in the genre and it's one of those films I will never get tired of watching. It's one of the greatest chillers of all time. The film tells the story of Nan Barlow, a young Coed who is doing a paper on witchcraft. Her teacher recommends that she goes to the town of Whitewood, the same town where Elizabeth Selwyn was burned to death for being accused as a witch hundreds of years ago. As Elizabeth heads for Whitewood she notices that there are some strange things happening. When the young coed arrives in Whitewood she stays at the Raven's Inn Hotel, where she unwillingly finds herself marked for sacrifice by the undead coven of witches.

If I may recall Horror Hotel was actually the first film made by Vulcan Productions. The same production company who was once of Hammer's most successful rivals in the 60s and 70s. I love this era of film, it would have been a grand pleasure to watch this back in 1960. Luckily today you can purchase most of the classics on DVD and this is one film I am proud to have in my collection. Horror Hotel is filled with thrills, chills and plenty of terrifying suspense. Like most old genre films this isn't heavy on blood and gore, but it's the story and characters that kept me focus. We're treated to some wonderful by Patricia Jessel, who plays Elizabeth Selwyn (the witch) and her role in the film is dark and creepy. Also in the movie is film veteran Christopher Lee, who is really known today for his roles as Count Dracula and other various Hammer characters.

The real joy for me while watching this movie not only comes from the cast and acting but also from the films plot. While watching the film I get so attached to the characters and the events that take place, any film that can keep my full attention is a film definitely worth watching over and over. Im sure if you compare this movie to other genre films today you'll notice all the clichés that take place. The story and thought about witch craft and the burning of actual witches is very well known today. The only thing about that is that I haven't seen too many horror films that carry such a strong topic. If you were to do that today it would most likely either not work or it just wont be as impressive. The thing that I recommend most when watching this film is just pay attention through the whole thing. Let the story and the characters take you on a chilling ride.

The film also plays off as a mystery. Well if you're an avid horror viewer then it wouldn't be hard for you to guess the movie and its small twists. Even if it is predictable it's still very good. Watching this movie is like watching a sick and twisted evil episode of the twilight zone. Horror Hotel is one of my all time favorite classic horror films. The story is great, the acting is good and it's just a fun watch. The film is filled chilling suspense and a mystery which isn't really hard to guess. The cast of actors and actresses alone is really impressive, who doesn't love seeing Christopher Lee in horror films? That's just one of the joys in the picture. Everything else is just as good and it's a film I really recommend watching if you're into the black and white classics.

First, this IS a review of the VCI version -- different versions may have different merits, but I believe the VCI version is very good, and the extras included make it worthwhile. I put this on the backburner for a while, and when I watched it last night I was pleasantly surprised. This probably won't appeal to modern/younger audiences, but those who collect and appreciate Hammer films or the classic horror films will find this of interest.

The film transfer is excellent, as is the sound. The plot is different than you might expect and I'm afraid other reviewers have told you too much. However I do agree with the reviewer who said perhaps this will put off people from "investigating" satanism! Another film in rather the same vein is "The Devil Rides Out."

There is an interview with Christopher Lee that is dated after his role in the Lord of the Rings movies and it is fascinating. He lambasts the British film industry and I think the interviewer was kind of stunned by his amazing anecdotes (and his powerful indictment of British film-making). I'm sure if you enjoy classic horror this will be a worthy addition.

City of the Dead hasn't looked this good since it's British theatrical release! The DVD transfer is from incredible source materials and reveals to the viewer the most realistic version seen since 1960. The images are sharp with crisp detail throughout the film. Black levels are wonderful. This version is so vivid that you can feel the humidity from the fog scenes!
City of the Dead also contains the most complete bonus materials. Not only do you have an interview and commentary with Director John Moxey but an interview with beautiful Venetia Stevenson. Most importantly for those of you who haven't seen this edition, Amazon left out a couple of important details! City of the Dead includes a complete commentary track and a brand new 45-minute interview with film legend CHRISTOPHER LEE!! This is a horror fans dream come true! Don't miss the opportunity to view this incredible restoration. It will replace your Horror Hotel versions without question.

"Horror Hotel" (1960) is a heavily atmospheric, truly classic horror film. The film tells the story of Nan Barlow (Venetia Stevenson), a hapless college student who investigates the history of witchcraft in the small New England town of Whitewood. Nan's disappearance leads to the discovery of a witch cult led by Elizabeth Selwyn/Mrs. Newless (Patricia Jessel) and Alan Driscoll (Christopher Lee), Nan's professor.

"Horror Hotel" is a gem of the Friday Night Horror Double Feature genre. Low-budget and black and white, with just enough requisite corny dialogue, the film is campy but creepy in portraying the haunted town and its frightening residents.

The setting is deliciously gothic, down to the deserted and derelict cemetery and the darkling clapboard houses. The sun never rises in Whitewood and there is a constant ground mist. (The relatively poor condition of the non-restored VHS edition makes the film paradoxically even more enjoyable.)

Venetia Stevenson is both beautiful and entertaining as Nan the ingenuous college student. Christopher Lee's acting is ferretlike and intense, and Patricia Jessel is wonderfully despicable. Nan's friends, played by Dennis Lotis (as Richard Barlow), Tom Naylor (as Bill Maitland), and Betta St. John (as Patricia Russell) seem appropriately foggy and in the dark about the witch cult.

The film mixes and matches elements of Witchcraft, Satanism and Black Magic. It is definitely not at all documentary nor Politically Correct for Wiccans.

"Horror Hotel" will never win any Oscars, but it is one of the best films of its type ever made. The producers of The Blair Witch Project could have learned a thing or two about Having The Shivers from "Horror Hotel."