In a rare leading role, noted character actor Dean Stockwell plays Wilbur, a disturbed young warlock who wants to open a demonic portal, in this film based on the classic H.P. Lovecraft horror tale. In short order, Wilbur steals a "black arts" manual from the local university's library and makes plans to sacrifice the college student (Sandra Dee, in her last feature film role) who handed over the book. The cast also includes Talia Shire.