Objectively, this movie is nothing special, but it almost perfectly conveys Lovecraft's atmosphere. For true Lovecraft fans this will be real delicacy. For the rest of you, this is nothing but mediocre 70's horror.7/10

This is not a bad adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's story. The movie has it's flaws but it's an overall decent film on the occult (specifically the Necronomicon).Wilbur Whateley is not quite human - his heritage is part human and part otherworldly. He is after a rare copy of the Necronomicon to help the old ones break through and rule planet Earth. Armitage finds out what Wilbur has planned and gathers help to put an end to it.This is not a bad late night film - it is worth watching for those interested in occult topics or for those who simply like classic horror films.7/10

Pretty good flick for the usual Lovecraft completist list. Dean (the Boy with Green Hair) Stockwell as Wilbur Whateley is kinda cool casting, but his characterization could've been a little more elaborate (i.e., the short story character was literally "out of this world!"). Sandra Dee's casting was strictly camp (as a fellow critic remarked, "Gidget Goes To Hell"), but not unlikeable, given her character is Wilbur's love interest! Ed Begley, Sr.'s Professor Armitage was really strong, great protagonist for Wilbur's evil intentions. Sam Jaffee as Wizard Whateley is a very different character than his usual ones (The Day The Earth Stood Still, et Al.), but seemed to generate more compassion than menace.The special effects generally lack enthusiasm, and Daniel Haller, a very fine production designer, could've insisted on stop-motion than in-camera opticals (Wilbur's "twin" looks like cut ribbons of paper or cloth!). The ending, with Sandie pregnant by Dean, is a real hoot.

Another movie featuring Gothic horror that collides with late 1960's psychedelic/Hippie clothing, fashions, design, etc. It makes for a potent combination that is somewhat silly but great fun to look at.The rumor is that Peter Fonda was supposed to play the lead but Dean Stockwell stepped in at the last minute. It would have sure been a different movie with old Pete. Stockwell gives the role a creepy yet seductive intensity. Could Fonda have done the same? Not so sure about that. I tend to think that Peter Fonda would have been a little too "slick" for this role, that is, too much on the side of the sleazy seducer and too little on the side of the menacing necromancer. But, who knows, that's just my silly idle speculation, as Peter never did the role.This would make a great double feature with "Simon: King of The Witches," also currently available on DVD. Filmed shortly after this film, also has a warlock, and a lot of trippy psychedelic visual effects. Also great fun to look at and quite entertaining performance in the lead role by Andrew Prine.