Witch's Dungeon: 40 Years of Chills (2006)

A look behind the scenes at Cortlandt Hull's "The Witch's Dungeon," a movie-themed Halloween attraction in Bristol, Connecticut -- now the longest-running show of its type in the United States.

Overview
"Witch's Dungeon: 40 Years of Chills" is a 2006 movie that provides the history and journey of the Witch's Dungeon Classic Movie Museum in Bristol, Connecticut, USA. This unique, non-profit institution has been showcasing an uncommon collection of life-size wax figures and motion picture props associated with timeless horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films for over 40 years. The film, directed by Dennis Vincent, is a walk down the memory lane, throwing light on the museum's tremendous contributions.

The Museum's Beginning
The film starts by presenting the creator and curator of the museum, Cortlandt Hull, who opened it on Halloween night in 1966. He did it out of pure enthusiasm for timeless scary movies and to honor the creators and actors who brought iconic characters, like Dracula, the Phantom of the Opera, and Frankenstein, among others, to life. Hull's vision and determination to produce and preserve the tradition is a centerpiece in the film, and it consists of interviews with him, highlighting his deep knowledge of the category.

The Museum's Collection
"Witch's Dungeon: 40 Years of Chills" then takes the viewers into the museum, showcasing numerous wax figures of timeless characters from popular movies. These figures are the main tourist attraction of the museum, and they were adoringly produced by Hull himself. The film shows these figures in terrific information, going over every one's production process, which was done with tremendous devotion and accuracy to produce lifelike statues genuinely honoring the original characters.

Behind The Scenes and Interviews
The movie makes up exclusive behind-the-scenes video footage that provides the audience a peek into the museum's functioning and the hard work that goes into keeping and broadening the collections. In addition to Cortlandt Hull's interviews, the movie includes discussions with different artists who have contributed to the scary movie industry, such as stars Sara Karloff, June Foray, and legendary makeup artist Dick Smith. These interviews provide more context and intrigue, highlighting the museum's distinct place in the industry.

Endnote
"Witch's Dungeon: 40 Years of Chills" is not merely a documentary on a museum; it's a tribute to the timeless horror, sci-fi, and fantasy categories in specific, and to cinema in general. It catches the enthusiasm that drove Hull and his team to curate an exceptional collection, which draws in around the world attention. The movie manages to stimulate a sense of fond memories by bringing viewers better to their favorite characters and movies, while likewise highlighting the information and craft associated with creating such a distinct and specific museum.

In conclusion, "Witch's Dungeon: 40 Years of Chills" concentrates on the steadfast commitment of Cortlandt Hull, together with the contribution of other artists in constructing a sanctuary for horror movie enthusiasts. The formerly unseen museum footage and honest interviews make this movie a must-watch for fans of the genre and cinema enthusiasts who value the craft and history behind iconic scary film characters.

Top Cast

  • Forrest J. Ackerman (small)
    Forrest J. Ackerman
    Himself
  • Karen Allen (small)
    Karen Allen
    Herself
  • Ricou Browning
    Himself
  • Bob Burns
    Himself
  • Veronica Carlson (small)
    Veronica Carlson
    Herself
  • Ben Chapman (small)
    Ben Chapman
    Himself
  • Sara Karloff
    Herself
  • Christopher Lee (small)
    Christopher Lee
    Himself
  • Caroline Munro (small)
    Caroline Munro
    Herself
  • Cassandra Peterson (small)
    Cassandra Peterson
    Herself
  • Bobby Pickett (small)
    Bobby Pickett
    Himself