Nerds That Geek Movie Review: 'Horror Hotel (1960)'

Written by Scott edwards

When studying a subject that you are passionate about, it is a joy when you are able to witness the place where it happened first hand. Although many things about the area could have changed over the years, you can feel the power of the region and you will be able to speak of the subject more fluently. There is something to be said about finding out what has happened in the past from a book, but when you are able to visit the area, you can be transported back in time and become a witness to what happened in a location. I have always wanted to visit locations where some of the major events of history have taken place and have been lucky enough to see a few first hand and that made it come to life in my own eyes.

While Professor Alan Driscoll is finishing up his lecture on some of the early witch trials that took place in the states, one of his prized students is genuinely taking notice. Nan Barlow has become a great admirer of the professor and his teachings and wants to find out more, even if it means she has to study outside of the classroom. Talking with the professor, Nan is urged to visit the small town of Whitewood where Elizabeth Selwyn was burned at the stake back in the late 1600’s. Nan takes this to heart and is able to travel to the old town over her two week break and see what it is all about.

While traveling to Whitewood, Nan picks up a hitchhiker that is looking to go to the same location. When arriving in the town, Nan is frightened to see that the man has mysteriously disappeared from her vehicle without a trace. Entering the Raven’s Inn as suggested by her professor, Nan is greeted by a grumpy owner, Mrs. Newlis. Even though Mrs. Newlis states that there is not an available room for the young coed to stay in, once Nan mentions Professor Driscoll, a room suddenly comes available. While getting settled in her room, Nan notices that there is a trap door that has been poorly covered and inquires to where it leads. Mrs. Newlis is not happy that the door has been found and lies about what its purpose is and leaves Nan on her own until the party starts in the common area. But when Nan is ready to attend the party, she sees that all of the guests have left, but when the church bell starts to ring towards the magic hour of thirteen, Nan has become a piece of history herself as the witch’s coven has come back to roost.

Patricia Russell has just moved back to Whitewood to take care of her ailing grandfather. Meeting Ms. Barlow once and lending her a book about witchcraft, Patricia finds it interesting that Nan has mysteriously vanished from the town without even saying goodbye. As the police come knocking at the Raven’s Inn, Patricia knows that there is something else amiss about the area and seeks out Professor Driscoll to inquire about what Nan was doing in the town. Without a genuine answer from the professor, Patricia passes her story on to Nan’s brother as well and Richard Barlow is not willing to let his sister’s disappearance go on unchecked. Heading up to Whitewood himself to find what the police could not, Richard finds that Patricia is in grave danger and only he will be able to keep the spirits of the night at bay so that one of them can escape the evil town.

Who does not like a good old story about witchcraft? I know that if it is written correctly, I will never shy away from the subject, especially when it starts to work itself into current day. These stories of cursed areas could just be common lore, but for the most part, if there is a strange story about an area, there is usually a morsel of truth behind it. The old school horror movies that have limited special effects can be scarier than the new ones that are coming out for one reason, they have to focus on the actors and nothing else. With grotesque fog covering the ground and characters with crazy eyes coming for their prize, it is amazing that anyone made it out of this area without mental scarring, since the roles were handled with conviction. Stay Scared.

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