The Dunwich Horror

1970
R
1h 30m

IMDb RATING

5.4/10

5.4K

YOUR RATING

Play trailer2:14

2 Videos

99 Photos

Horror

Wilbur Whateley travels to the Arkham Miskatonic University to borrow the legendary Necronomicon. But, little does anyone know, Whateley isn't quite human...Wilbur Whateley travels to the Arkham Miskatonic University to borrow the legendary Necronomicon. But, little does anyone know, Whateley isn't quite human...Wilbur Whateley travels to the Arkham Miskatonic University to borrow the legendary Necronomicon. But, little does anyone know, Whateley isn't quite human...

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

5.4/10

5.4K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 nomination

Videos2

Trailer 2:14

The Dunwich Horror

Clip 2:44

The Dunwich Horror: What Happened At The Altar?

Clip 2:44

The Dunwich Horror: What Happened At The Altar?

Photos115

110

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
The odd symbol that appears again and again - on Wilbur's ring, on his grandfather's staff, in the design on the main floor, etc. - is actually an ancient Native American symbol commonly termed "Thunderbird in sun".

Goofs
The length of Nancy's fingernails changes repeatedly during the sex ritual - they're noticeably longer in shots where Sandra Dee's face is visible, implying that a body double with shorter nails was used for the racier portions of the scene.

Quotes
Wilbur Whateley: Come back, Old Ones... Princes of Darkness... and repossess the earth.

Crazy credits
Actress Joanne Moore Jordan is credited two different ways. In the Opening Credits, she is listed as Joanna (with an "a" at the end of her name). However, in the Closing Credits, she is listed correctly, Joanne (only one "a").

Alternate versions
U.S. theatrical release was cut of scenes of nudity to receive an all ages "M" rating (predecessor to today's "PG" rating). Current releases are uncut and carry a new "R" rating from the MPAA.

Connections
Edited from Spirits of the Dead (1968)

User reviews106

Review

Featured review

7/10

Not Too Bad Mix of 1970 Psychedelia & Lovecraft

If I had watched this with a bunch of friends, we would have laughed and thought it was awful. But when watched alone at night, without a critical attitude, it is creepy and effective as only an old, cheap horror movie can be. Dean Stockwell and Sandra Dee give low key, almost distracted performances that, intentionally or not, contribute to the eerie tone, and presentation of Dean Stockwell's unearthly twin was very atmospheric and evocative - a good example of how to play on the viewers' imagination (a lost art in most of today's horror movies). The movie has a titillating sexuality (which seems very 1970 but quite un-Lovecraftian but it has been a long time since I've read his stuff) with a few quick almost subliminal nude shots.

Part of my enjoyment of the film was nostalgia - it reminded me of tv shows and movies I enjoyed as a kid in the early 70s. Dunwich Horror is very similar in style to the Night Gallery tv series (which was rarely successful, but I still enjoy watching it if I get a chance).

So - not a great movie, but good if you like this sort of thing and are in the right frame of mind. The DVD looked pretty good, especially the color.