‘Life to the dead and Death to the living.’
Necromancy is a 1972 American horror film co-written and directed by Bert I. Gordon. Co-produced by Bert I. Gordon, Gail March and Jeffrey M. Sneller. Also released as The Witching
The movie stars Orson Welles, Pamela Franklin, Lee Purcell and Michael Ontkean.
In 1983, the film was released on VHS as The Witching with additional unclothed scenes (shock!) that include Brinke Stevens.
A re-edited TV version was re-titled Rosemary’s Disciples. Confusingly, the film has also been released as The Toy Factory.
Plot:
In the small American town of Lilith, a strange and sinister man, Mr Cato (Orson Welles), owns a toy factory and wields extraordinary power. The townsfolk indulge in weird rituals in their pursuit of necromancy, to bring the dead back to life.
Against this disturbing background a young woman, Lori (Pamela Franklin), becomes the human catalyst. She is married to Frank, Cato’s newest employee, and holds the key between life and death. But the witches’ coven is determined to use Lori to bring back Cato’s dead son…
Trailer:
Cast and characters:
Orson Welles … Mr Cato
Pamela Franklin … Lori Brandon
Lee Purcell … Priscilla
Michael Ontkean … Frank Brandon
Harvey Jason … Doctor Jay
Lisa James … Georgette
Sue Bernard … Nancy
Filming locations:
Los Gatos, California
Samuel Goldwyn Studios – 7200 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, California (studio)
Filming dates:
5th October 1970 to February 1971
