The City of the Dead (1960)

Horror | Feature |


Watch Now

Witches, sacrifice and weird happenings in New England

A young coed uses her winter vacation to research a paper on witchcraft in New England. Her professor recommends that she spend her time in a small village called Whitewood. He originally cam from that village so he also recommends she stay at the "Raven's Inn," run by a Mrs. Newlis. She gets to the village and notices some weird happenings, but things begin to happen in earnest when she finds herself "marked" for sacrifice by the undead coven of witches. It seems that the innkeeper is actually the undead spirit of Elizabeth Selwyn, and the "guests" at the inn are the other witches who have come to celebrate the sacrifice on Candalmas Eve.

Also known as Horror Hotel because most horror genre films produced during that time period were usually marketed to teenagers and young adults, who preferred those silly titles that promised cheap thrills. Horror Hotel's legacy in modern times... UK heavy metal band Iron Maiden used scenes from this classic horror movie in the music video for their song "Bring Your Daughter... to the Slaughter." King Diamond also used various clips in their "Sleepless Nights" video, while Rob Zombie used Christopher Lee's opening words "Burn Witch, Burn Witch... Burn! Burn! Burn!" to similarly preface his track "Dragula" from Hellbilly Deluxe. In addition, the punk band Misfits wrote a popular song called "Horror Hotel."

Directed by first-time feature helmer John Llewellyn Moxey (who would direct the original Kolchak TV movie, 1973’s The Night Stalker), this UK film was also the first to be produced by future head of Amicus, Milton Subotsky. Still more of a cherished cult item even all these years later rather than a widely known classic, The City of the Dead is pretty near-perfect. It’s in crisp black and white, it’s entirely set-bound (which gives the “outdoor” scenes in Whitewood an off-kilter, artificial feel), it’s got horror royalty in the form of Christopher Lee, and Whitewood is shrouded in thick fog, just like a town in a horror movie ought to be (making it all the better for processions of dark-robed figures to wander their way through). - Shocktillyoudrop

Director: John Llewellyn Moxey
Starring: Patricia Jessel, Dennis Lotis, Christopher Lee

Advertisement

Recommended Films and Movies


Watch NowCrow: The Legend (2018)

Inspired by the original Native American legend, this is a story of sacrifice and community! The carefree forest animals imagine spring will last forever. However, winter comes and the animals soon realize that their lives are in danger. What they need is a hero; what they need is Crow: The Legend.An old legend about sacrifice, duty and friendship.Now available in both movie format (YouTube and Fa [...]

Watch


Watch NowHorror Express (1972)

In 1906, in China, Professor Alexander Saxton discovers an ancient frozen fossil in the remote Province of Szechuan. He brings the remains of the being in a box to Shanghai and boards a trans-Siberian train, where he meets his acquaintance Dr. Wells. During the trip, a life force trapped in the frozen creature is released, killing and stealing the memories of the passengers.Horror Express can be [...]

Watch


Watch NowSprite Fright (2021)

80’s-inspired horror comedyWhen a group of rowdy teenagers trek into an isolated forest, they discover peaceful mushroom creatures that turn out to be an unexpected force of nature.Sprite Fright is a 2021 animated slasher Horror Comedy and produced as the thirteenth Blender Foundation Open Movie.

Watch


Watch NowThe Pirate Movie (1982)

Hoist the Jolly Roger for The Pirate Movie - A Swashbuckling Adventure Full of Fun and Romance! Ahoy, mateys! If you're looking for a swashbuckling adventure that's full of fun, romance, and catchy tunes, look no further than *The Pirate Movie*. Starring the dynamic duo of **Kristy McNichol** and **Christopher Atkins**, this classic '80s musical is a treasure trove of entertainment that will have [...]

Watch


Watch NowSpoiler (2011)

Coroner's life in the world of undead!The worldwide infection changed the world for good. One coroner isn't just a collector of the dead anymore. Now he comes to make sure you're actually dead. Or to help you get there. This was incredibly well done. From the acting, plot, music, and emotional storyline, it was simply astounding in my humble opinion. When the viewers, myself included of course, c [...]

Watch


Watch NowJameson (2018)

Hurry because the darkness is coming! A man's peaceful life is disrupted when three dangerous travelers lay siege to his secluded cabin in the woods. Impecable craft. A single man in his cabin. Three strangers from wood. Confrontation. And the sacrifice for keeping the peace. The dialogue between owner and young man, the house itself, detail by detail, the end of war and the last scene are pieces [...]

Watch