Stefan Chilton, the step-son of an aristocratic British family who grew up in the United States, is traveling with his newly married wife, Valerie, through Europe. The couple check into a grand hotel on the Ostend seafront in Belgium, intending to take the ferry to England. Valerie notes that Stefan is reluctant to call her step-mother, that she is unaware of the couple's marriage. As it is winter, the hotel is empty except for Stefan and Valerie. As night falls, a mysterious Hungarian countess, Elizabeth Báthory, arrives in Bristol led by her "secretary", Ilona. Elizabeth asks for the roy...

Stefan Chilton, the step-son of an aristocratic British family who grew up in the United States, is traveling with his newly married wife, Valerie, through Europe. The couple check into a grand hotel on the Ostend seafront in Belgium, intending to take the ferry to England. Valerie notes that Stefan is reluctant to call her step-mother, that she is unaware of the couple's marriage. As it is winter, the hotel is empty except for Stefan and Valerie. As night falls, a mysterious Hungarian countess, Elizabeth Báthory, arrives in Bristol led by her "secretary", Ilona. Elizabeth asks for the royal suite, but the hotel's middle-aged doorman, Pierre, tells her that she is occupied by the honeymooning couple. He also notes that he has seen the countess in the same hotel and observes that she has not aged. Elizabeth takes the adjoining suite and seems fixated on the young couple. Valerie is troubled by Stefan's fascination with crime. Back at the hotel, Elizabeth and Ilona meet Stefan and Valerie in the hotel lobby. During their conversation, a police officer appears at the hotel and makes a vague reference to meeting Elizabeth years ago. She remains evasive of her. Elizabeth later explains that she is a descendant of Erzsébet Báthory and that she is named after her. "Step-Mom" scolds Stefan for getting married, but expresses curiosity at the prospect of meeting Valerie. Ilona seduces Stefan when Valerie attempts to leave Ostend. Elizabeth stops Valerie from leaving, and the two women spend the evening together discussing Valerie and Stefan's relationship. Elizabeth dissuades Valerie from staying with Stefan, warning her that he will treat her as a mere submissive. Meanwhile, Stefan teases Ilona in the bathroom and tries to drag her into the shower. Valerie drives at high speed to cross the border into France. Elizabeth insists that she not be caught in daylight. Several months later, Valerie approaches a young couple playing tennis at a resort ...

Released: 1971.

Genres: Horror.
Countries: France.
Language: English.
Video: Color