City Of The Dead
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Movie Reviews of City Of The Dead
Movie Review: "Classic Horror without the gore"
Summary: 5 Stars
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
Movie Review: City Hotel
Summary: 5 Stars
In 1960, a lovely little witch horror film set in Massachusettes was produced in England by the fledgling Amicus Films, then called Vulcan Films. It starred Christopher Lee, Betta St. John, Patricia Jessel, Venetia Stevenson, & Valentine Dyall, and was entitled CITY OF THE DEAD, or HORROR HOTEL here in the U.S. It tells the story of a young woman wishing to find out more about a particular witch that may or may not have survived burning at the stake. Needless to say, she finds out too much. I don't wish to elaborate on further plot details, suffice it to say that the scares are of the Val Lewton school of fright and are thus wonderful! The performances are of top caliber, in particular Lee, Jessel, and Dyall in rather sensationalistic roles. The other cast members also fare quite well thanks to director John Llewellyn Moxey's superb handling of an excellent screenplay. Be sure to visit this lovely city and book you reservation at the hotel. They're dying to meet you...Movie Review: Better See This!!
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Movie Review: I have made my pact with thee O'lucifer,for all eternity
Summary: 5 Stars
This film has a beginning very reminiscent of the opening sequence of Mario Bava's La Maschera del Demonio 1960.But since they were made at around the same time,it's probably just some weird unconcious global link between the two.The fascination of condeming witches seemed to be emerging worldwide in filmmakers at the time.The film has a beautiful Lovecraftian atmosphere,although has nothing to do with Lovecraft.
However has anyone noticed the weird near-anagram of Elizabeth SELWYN and Mrs NEWLESS? If you only change ONE letter to NEWLYS or add the extra 'S' for better pronunciation to NEWLYSS (the name is still contained).
Perhaps in the original script this was the original intention and somehow this idea got lost by the people who eventually did the titles.
Movie Review: GOOD ATMOSPHERIC HORROR....
Summary: 5 Stars
AKA "Horror Hotel" this is a good little shocker in b&w from England. VCI does it proud on DVD with nice extras like the interview with Venetia Stevenson (director Robert Stevenson's daughter). She plays Nan Barlow, a college student sent to an eerie fog shrouded village to do a paper on witchcraft and winds up being a human sacrifice instead. Her fiance' and a friend come looking for her and find things indeed off-kilter. The whole village is witch infested save for a blind priest and his niece. Christopher Lee is the sinister professor who sent Nan there in the first place. This is a low budget gem that runs at a brisk pace and keeps you glued to the screen. Highly recommended for horror lovers.