In the colonial America, the witch Morella is burnt at the stake. Before her death, she curses her husband Gideon and says that one day she will return in the form of their common daughter Lenora. 17 years later, Lenora is about to take over her mother's inheritance. Supported by her governess Coel, Lenora works through her mother's tragic past about which she knew very little. In alliance with dark forces, Coel tries to bring the body of Morella back to life. Lenora's body serves as a cover for the evil witch until this happens. Can her fiance Chapman and father Gideon stop the witch?

The Haunting of Morella is Jim Wynorski's homage to the Mario Bava films and also an Edgar Allan Poe film adaptation produced by Roger Corman, who was very successful with his Poe adaptations in the 1960's. This alone would be interesting enough, but thanks to outstanding actresses such as Nicole Eggert, Lana Clarkson and Maria Ford, Wynorski's film also includes plenty of plump cleavage and over-the-top lesbian undertones. It gets amusing when Maria Ford undresses to swim in a lake, revealing panties held together by thin ribbons that certainly could not have existed in colonial times. The result is heavily entertaining and oscillates somewhere between serious Poe adaptation and late night cable TV entertainment.

The film was released on DVD in the US by New Concorde on 26 August 2003. The picture format is 4:3 Open Matte and the audio commentary by Wynorskis is a very nice extra. On November 17th 2015, Scorpion Releasing released a new version in widescreen format with much better image quality. Unfortunately, this version is shortened by about 95 seconds. Some shots and short dialogues were removed, but unfortunately also a part of the sex scenes between Lenora and Chapman was cut. The missing scenes can be found in the bonus material. Nevertheless, it's annoying that they weren't re-integrated into the movie. In 2016, Scorpion Releasing released the Blu-ray update, which contains the same shortened version as the DVD. You now have the choice to go for the New Concorde DVD, which is a bit worse in quality, but uncut, or only a new edition by Scorpion Releasing with the better image quality, but then you have to live with the cuts.

Image comparison:

Because of the open matte format of the old US DVD, there is sometimes a bit too much to see, the sex scene between Lenora and Chapman is quite striking. At some points, you can see that Nicole Eggert has covered her breasts with a cloth, even though she should actually be naked, as can be seen in several subsequent shots.

Scorpion Releasing:

New Concorde:

Runtimes: Scorpion Releasing: 80:23 min. / New Concorde: 82:05 min.

The cut US DVD/Blu-ray by Scorpion Releasing was compared to the uncut US DVD by New Concorde.

[00:01:38][00:01:43]

The SC briefly cuts to Morella as the pastor says "She has lived as a witch".

The pastor says it's still in the legal code to kill witches. He asks Dr. Gault if he wants her released. He suggests that she should be hanged for murder. The pastor welcomes Dr. Gault's kindness but refers to the law.

SR: 2 sec.
NC: 19 sec.


[00:05:44][00:06:06]

Chapman can be seen a little longer.

NC: 1 sec.


[00:05:50][00:06:13]

Chapman gets off his horse and walks to the house.

NC: 10 sec.


[00:24:41][00:25:13]

Lenora thinks that the language of the letter is very confusing. Gideon replies that that's why lawyers are needed.

NC: 6 sec.


[00:43:21][00:44:00]

Dr. Gault asks Chapman what the name of his new love is. Chapman says that under the circumstances it is not wise to ask for the name.

NC: 11 sec.


[00:43:53][00:44:43]

The scene in which Chapman and Lenora go for a walk starts earlier. Chapman says that she's very quiet today. Yesterday, they talked about a lot of things and today Lenora hardly says a word. Lenora says that everything has already been said. Chapman states that he thinks differently.

NC: 23 sec.


[00:47:15][00:48:27]

Two shots are missing in the sex scene between Lenora and Chapman.

NC: 14 sec.


[00:59:16][01:00:41]

Diane can be seen a little longer on the riverbank.

NC: 3 sec.


[01:04:51][01:06:19]

Chapman asks Lenora if she has seen Coel. Lenora says she's looking for her herself. He tells her that they should both leave immediately. Lenora asks what happened.

NC: 8 sec.