The City of the Dead | Horror Hotel |1960

The City of the Dead | Horror Hotel |1960

A young college student arrives in a sleepy Massachusetts town to research witchcraft; during her stay at an eerie inn, she discovers a startling secret about the town and its inhabitants.

Director: John Llewellyn Moxey
Writers: Milton Subotsky (story by), George Baxt (screenplay by)
Stars: Patricia Jessel, Dennis Lotis, Christopher Lee

Trivia
This movie's US release under the title of "Horror Hotel" omitted the following lines during Elizabeth Selwyn's burning at the stake in the first scene, which are critical to fully understanding the plot, but apparently offended American censors: Elizabeth Selwyn: "I have made my pact with thee O Lucifer! Hear me, hear me! I will do thy bidding for all eternity. For all eternity shall I practice the ritual of Black Mass. For all eternity shall I sacrifice unto thee. I give thee my soul, take me into thy service." Jethro Keane: "O Lucifer, listen to thy servant, grant her this pact for all eternity and I with her, and if we fail thee but once, you may do with our souls what you will." Elizabeth Selwyn: "Make this city an example of thy vengeance. Curse it, curse it for all eternity! Let me be the instrument of thy curse. Hear me O Lucifer, hear me!"

Goofs
Although it might be more cinematic, witches were never burned at the stake in New England. They were either hanged or pressed (by large rocks being placed upon them by villagers). Burnings of witches happened in England.

Quotes
Prof. Alan Driscoll: The basis of fairy tale is in reality. The basis of reality is fairy tales

Alternate versions
The original U.S print (titled "Horror Hotel") is around 2 minutes shorter than the "City Of The Dead" version, and is missing most of the cursing made by Elizabeth Selwyn to the villagers during the opening burning and some of the conversation between Driscoll and Barlow as they discuss belief in the supernatural.

Connections
Featured in Creature Features: Horror Hotel/The Human Monster (1971)