Classic horror, fog, Christopher Lee, a jazzy soundtrack, mysterious New England village... Despite its obvious low budget, "The City of the Dead" manages to create a creepy, atmospheric viewing experience perfect for Halloween.
Nan Barlow, a young student researching witchcraft, travels (at night) to the eerie and remote town of Whitewood (on the advice of Christopher Lee). What could possibly go wrong? There, she encounters a coven of witches who have been practicing dark rituals for centuries. As Nan delves into the town's sinister history, she becomes unfortunately entangled in dangerous events, etc. Her brother and boyfriend investigate her disappearance.
Christopher Lee delivers a strong performance as the enigmatic Professor Driscoll, a scholar with a dark secret of his own. Venetia Stevenson as Nan Barlow is also commendable. I was puzzled by some of the actors' accents. I realized halfway through that it was the British cast doing their best at speaking New England.
Not a masterpiece, but a thoroughly gothic mood.
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