It Happened at Nightmare Inn

It Happened at Nightmare Inn (also known as "A Candle for the Devil") is a fascinating and mysterious horror film from the early 1970s. Released in 1973, this Spanish-English horror movie was co-written and directed by the talented Eugenio Martin. It features prominent Hollywood actress Judy Geeson, along with renowned Spanish actresses Aurora Bautista and Esperanza Roy in the crucial roles. Known for pushing the boundaries of the horror genre during its era, It Happened at Nightmare Inn explores the disturbing psychological state under the guise of a chilling classic horror story.

Set in the beautiful locales of an idyllic Spanish village, the narrative revolves around two sisters hosting a small inn that caters to tourists visiting the stunningly picturesque region. Bautista and Roy portray the role of these owners, Marta and Veronica, respectively. They are devoutly religious, albeit oddly strict, and hold extremely conservative views on morals and conduct, specifically regarding women. However, this overly severe morality conceals a deeper secret, setting the stage for the horror that slowly unfolds.

Enter Laura Barkley, strikingly portrayed by Judy Geeson. She is a British traveller searching for her missing sister, who visited the town but mysteriously vanished. Laura's sister was last known to have checked into the same inn run by Marta and Veronica, and Laura's instinctive suspicion falls upon the sister duo. As the plot thickens, what unfolds is a nerve-racking series of events that blur the line between right and wrong, religious fervour, moral righteousness, and the macabre.

One of the movie's appealing aspects is its atmospheric horror. Martin masterfully uses the exotic Spanish location, simple villagers, peaceful lifestyle against the backdrop of religious orthodoxies to build tension unusual for the 1970s horror cinema. The eerie calm of the town sharply contrasts the rising suspense and dread as the story advances, creating a perpetual balancing act between serenity and terror.

Even though the film thrives on its horror, Martin never abstains from delivering a veiled critique about a society entangled in its morbid fascination with control and morality. Each interaction, every act of violence in the movie serves more than just pure horror; it highlights the torturous consequences of fanaticism. These elements cleverly interwoven throughout the narrative, force viewers to ponder the distortion of faith and morality in society.

As far as performances are concerned, this movie belongs to the triumvirate of Geeson, Bautista, and Roy. Judy Geeson delivers a commendable performance as the determined Laura, haunted by the strange disappearance of her sister. Aurora Bautista and Esperanza Roy, as Marta and Veronica, take centre-stage with their nuanced portrayal of fanaticism and fear. They skilfully oscillate between chilling menace and disturbed innocence, setting the stage for an unforgettable act of horror.

Antonio Riquelme, Lone Fleming, and Blanca Estrada round out the supporting cast, each adding to the movie's disturbing treatment of religion and fanaticism with their performances. The director's skillful handling of these characters invites viewers to ponder the lengths to which individuals may go to fend off perceived immorality and vice.

The gripping screenplay, supported by Juan Piquer Simón's evocative cinematography, makes It Happened at Nightmare Inn an edge-of-the-seat experience. Its thrilling story keeps the viewer hooked, and the eerie music by Antón García Abril adds a haunting aura to the horror that unfolds.

In conclusion, It Happened at Nightmare Inn is an intriguing example of provocative 70s horror that explores societal norms, corrupting morality, and religious fanaticism, all woven into the pulsating rhythm of suspense and dread. While the film is definitively horror, its critiques paint a deeper picture of society, making it an essential watch for every cinema lover. The movie succeeds not only in making its audience nervously check over their shoulders but also forces them to question the societal norms they blindly follow. This immersive thriller is bound to keep you captivated from beginning to end.