''Witchtrap'' (also known as ''The Presence'') is a 1989 American supernatural horror film written and directed by

Kevin S. Tenney Kevin S. Tenney (born October 16, 1955) is an American film director, producer and screenwriter, best known for directing horror movies such as '' Witchboard'' (1986), and '' Night of the Demons'' (1988). Night of the Demons 3, which he also wro ...

and starring James W. Quinn, Kathleen Bailey, and Linnea Quigley. The film follows a team of parapsychologists who attempt to exorcise a haunted inn with the help of a device designed to lure in and trap evil spirits. Despite the film's title, its central villain is a warlock. ''Witchtrap'' was released direct-to-video.

Cast

* James W. Quinn as Tony Vincente * Kathleen Bailey as Whitney O'Shay * Judy Tatum as Agnes Goldberg * Rob Zapple as Felix Goldberg * Jack W. Thompson as Murphy * Clyde Talley II as Levi Jackson * Hal Havins as Elwin * Linnea Quigley as Ginger Kowowski *

as Devon Lauder * J. P. Luebsen as Avery Lauter * Richard Fraga as Amazing Azimov *

Lynn McRee Lynn McRee is an actress known for her role as List of Scream (film series) characters#Maureen Prescott, Maureen Prescott in the Scream (franchise), ''Scream'' film series. Filmography Film References External links

* Nationality mis ...

as Q.T. Secretary

Critical reception

A contemporary review in '' Variety'' criticized the film's ending as "cryptic", and noted that the "makeup effects by Judy Yonemoto are okay". In his book ''Creature Features: The Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Movie Guide'', John Stanley wrote that "due to flat, nonatmospheric lighting, mediocre actresses and inadequate effects, ''Witchtrap'' limps along without much conviction." Brian Orndorf of Blu-ray.com called the film "an engaging feature" that "builds to a satisfying grand finale, only making a few missteps in tone and technical achievements", though he noted that "the screenplay's interest in spiritual debates is perhaps better left to a more sophisticated picture".

Home media

In March 2017, the film was restored in 2K and released on DVD and Blu-ray by Vinegar Syndrome.

References

External links

* * {{Kevin Tenney 1989 horror films 1989 films American supernatural horror films American ghost films Films about witchcraft 1980s supernatural horror films 1980s English-language films 1980s American films