Horror High

Horror High

Year: 1973

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: English

Director: Larry N. Stouffer

Science FictionHorrorIntense violence and sexual transgressionGory gruesome and slasher horrorGraphic violence and brutal revenge

An ancient evil awakens, determined to kill. A gifted but socially awkward teen creates a chemical that turns his guinea pig, Mr. Mumps, into a ravenous monster. Fueled by rage, Vernon Potts goes on a killing spree, targeting the gym coach, the star athlete, the creepy janitor and his hated teacher, Ms. Grindstaff.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Horror High (1973)

Trace every key event in Horror High (1973) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Vernon’s quiet life and budding friendship

Vernon Potts is a shy but clever student who endures bullying at school. He forms a tentative friendship with classmate Robin Jones, despite her boyfriend Roger’s disapproval. The dynamic sets up Vernon’s interior life, balancing academic ambitions with a growing curiosity about biology and danger.

High School
2

Mr. Mumps transformed and the janitor retaliates

Late one night after school, Vernon tests the new drug on Mr. Mumps, turning him into a snarling creature. The mutated guinea pig kills a cat owned by Mr. Griggs, the creepy janitor. Griggs catches Vernon disposing of the cat’s body and beats Vernon and Mr. Mumps to death with a pestle.

Late night after school Science classroom
3

Vernon drinks the drug and kills Griggs

Griggs threatens Vernon into drinking the drug. Vernon convulses, becomes violent, and kills Mr. Griggs by dunking him into a barrel of sulfuric acid.

That same night Science classroom
4

Evidence surfaces and Bozeman begins the case

The next morning, Griggs’s dissolved remains are found during science class. Lieutenant Bozeman questions Vernon, but Vernon remains silent and the lack of evidence allows him to slip away.

Next morning Science classroom
5

Grindstaff’s punishment and a dangerous distraction

After an English test, Mrs. Grindstaff forces Vernon to attend every literature club meeting for the rest of the semester to earn credit. To avoid conflicts with his library visits, Vernon reluctantly agrees and uses the club time to brew more of the drug in the science lab.

That evening School (English class and science lab)
6

Grindstaff is murdered during the literature club

During the literature club, Vernon drinks the drug and transforms, terrorizing Grindstaff. He kills her by severing her fingers and decapitating her with a paper guillotine.

That night Literature club room / English classroom
7

Robin learns of Mr. Mumps’s death; Vernon confesses

Grindstaff’s body is discovered the next morning and Bozeman returns to the case. Vernon privately confesses to Robin that Mr. Mumps is dead and tells her he plans to abandon the biology project, while she offers to help with hers.

Next morning School (hallways / courtyard)
8

Coach McCall’s cheating plan and the 10:00 PM call

In the locker room, Coach McCall reprimands Vernon but then offers him a chance to help Roger cheat so the football player can stay eligible. He asks Vernon to call him at 10:00 PM that night to finalize the plan and tells Vernon to keep it secret.

10:00 PM Locker room, school
9

Vernon kills McCall

That night, Bozeman and his squad arrive to question McCall but he avoids arrest. Vernon, having consumed another batch of the drug, kills McCall by lacerating his chest with track spikes as McCall confronts him.

That night School
10

Roger is arrested outside the building

The police discover McCall’s body and arrest Roger outside the building, halting his initially planned escape. The arrest adds to the mounting tension surrounding the murders.

That night School grounds
11

Robin’s distress and a park date planned

The next morning Robin expresses distress over Roger’s arrest, but Vernon calms her and arranges a date at the park for 7:30 that night. The plan signals a rare moment of normalcy amid the chaos.

Evening Park
12

Roger’s release and Vernon’s warning

That night Roger calls Vernon, telling him that the police released him due to a lack of evidence. He threatens to report Vernon unless they meet at the school in an hour, heightening the danger of exposure.

That night Phone call / School
13

Final confrontation begins: Robin warns, Vernon reveals

Vernon brews another batch of the drug and heads toward the classroom when someone taps at the window. Robin warns him about Roger, and Vernon reluctantly reveals that he is the killer, before transforming and chasing her through the school.

That night School corridors / classroom
14

Vernon dies in a police shootout

Bozeman and the police arrive and fire as Vernon battles Roger. Vernon is shot to death, and Robin mourns his loss as the film ends.

End of the film Outside the school

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:27

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Horror High Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Horror High

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