Movie Review: The City of the Dead (1960)
Synopsis:
Directed by John Llewellyn Moxey, "The City of the Dead" (also known as "Horror Hotel") is a quintessential example of British horror cinema from the early 1960s. The film opens on a blustery night in present-day Massachusetts, where lecturer Elizabeth Selwyn, played by Venetia Stevenson, is conducting a seminar on witch trials. Intrigued by the occult, Elizabeth decides to delve deeper into the quaint yet eerie town of Whitewood, site of a historical witch trial.
Upon arriving in Whitewood, Elizabeth is swept into a vortex of supernatural occurrences and age-old traditions. Run-down and unsettling, the village houses a bed-and-breakfast owned by the mysterious Mrs. Newless, portrayed with an unsettling edge by Catherine Lacey. The town’s residents are curiously unfriendly and seem deeply entrenched in a dark history. Particularly jarring is the legend of Elizabeth Selwyn—a woman executed for witchcraft centuries prior—whose presence looms large over the town.
As Elizabeth begins to uncover secrets about the town and its connection to her namesake, she soon finds herself entangled in a ritualistic horror that forces her to confront her own identity. The film explores themes of repression, fear of the unknown, and the consequences of delving into forbidden knowledge. With its atmospheric setting, compelling narrative, and chilling performances, "The City of the Dead" emerges as a classic example of psychological horror that poses profound questions about belief and the paranormal.
Actors and Characters:
- Venetia Stevenson as Elizabeth Selwyn
- Catherine Lacey as Mrs. Newless
- Patrick Macnee as Professor Alan Driscoll
- Tom Nardini as Nick
- Margo Andrews as the Town’s Young Woman
- Valerie Gaunt as the Witches’ Trial Accuser
- John S. McGreevy as the Police Chief
- Lynn Filmore as a Townsperson
- Garry Marsh as the Townsman
- Sebastian Cabot as the Narrator
Review:
"The City of the Dead" stands as a shining testament to the horror genre, marrying suspense with psychological depth. From the very first frames, Moxey sets an unsettling atmosphere that envelops the viewer like the fog that shrouds the town of Whitewood. The film’s strength lies not only in its chilling narrative but also in its masterful ability to conjure unease through atmospheric elements like sound design and lighting.
Venetia Stevenson’s portrayal of Elizabeth is both earnest and compelling. Her character’s curiosity about the town and its dark history draws the audience in, prompting us to unearth the mystery alongside her. Stevenson’s performance is nuanced—the blend of naivety and burgeoning courage adds layers to Elizabeth as she grapples with the growing terrors that engulf her. Catherine Lacey’s eerie performance as Mrs. Newless is equally noteworthy; she embodies a sinister charm that reflects the undercurrents of malevolence in Whitewood. The chemistry between Stevenson and Lacey is palpable, creating a tension that reverberates throughout the narrative.
Patrick Macnee, best known for his role in "The Avengers," lends gravitas to the film as Professor Alan Driscoll, who attempts to guide Elizabeth but ultimately finds himself ensnared in the web of history and horror. His character serves as both mentor and a registered observer, a foil to Elizabeth’s youthful curiosity and determination.
The cinematography by the great John Wilcox is another of the film’s highlights. Set against the hauntingly moody backdrop of the town, the use of shadows and light enhances the tension, making the viewer almost feel the chill of the fog-enshrouded streets. The intricate intersection of the setting with the narrative invokes a sense of dread, particularly as the night closes in and the spectre of witchcraft looms over Elizabeth.
The film’s pacing is commendable. It builds its suspense methodically, teasing the viewer with glimpses of the supernatural while allowing for character development and world-building. The gradual revelation of Whitewood’s past mirrors Elizabeth’s unravelling, pushing her deeper into danger. The power of the film lies in this slow burn—a deliberate method that harbours tension until it erupts into horror.
As a significant commentary on social issues of its time, "The City of the Dead" touches on themes of isolation and the dangers of blind adherence to tradition. The townspeople’s hostility towards outsiders ultimately conveys a critique of xenophobia and repression, echoing the historical context of witch hunts where fear dictated behaviour disproportionately. The film successfully weaves these themes into the lurking terror, making it not just a horror tale but a reflection on societal fears and the consequences of overzealous belief systems.
The film also thrives on its sound design, where eerie scores punctuate the unfolding horror. The ambient sounds of the town—powerful winds, distant screams, and murmurs—contribute to the atmospheric dread. Combined with the chilling visuals, the result is a palpable sense of fear that neither diminishes nor falters throughout the film.
Despite the film’s many strengths, it does have some drawbacks. Certain plot devices feel contrived and some sequences might appear slow to modern audiences accustomed to faster-paced storytelling. However, this slow exposition serves the film’s atmospheric builds, making these moments essential for the ultimate crescendo of terror that awaits.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, "The City of the Dead" remains a classic in the horror genre, capturing the essence of psychological terror and the historical weight of fear and superstition. Its potent combination of strong performances, atmospheric cinematography, and a chilling narrative sets it apart from other films of its time. While the pacing may challenge contemporary viewers, the film’s depth and its meditative approach to horror remain incredibly impactful.
For those who appreciate classic horror that delves into the human psyche, "The City of the Dead" offers a rich tapestry of suspense and dread. With its memorable performances and haunting visuals, it questions not just the nature of evil, but also the very fabric of belief that can amplify fear into phenomena beyond understanding.
Overall, I would rate "The City of the Dead" an 8/10—a brilliant, if occasionally flawed masterpiece that captures the heart of horror cinema and leaves an indelible mark on its audience.
