The Haunted Palace

In 1765, the residents of Arkham are suspicious of the mysterious phenomena surrounding the grand palace overlooking the town. They believe Joseph Curwen, its owner, is a warlock involved in dark rituals. A young girl is led into the palace, hinting at the sinister activities taking place.

Curwen and his mistress Hester perform a strange ritual involving a girl and an unseen creature emerging from a covered pit. The townspeople storm the palace, apprehending Curwen and attempting to burn him at a nearby tree. Curwen curses Arkham before being sentenced to death.

Before his execution, Curwen places a curse on Arkham and its descendants, vowing to rise again for revenge. His death leaves dark mysteries and suspicions lingering over the town for generations.

In 1875, Charles Dexter Ward and his wife Anne inherit Curwen’s palace in Arkham. They arrive to find hostility from the townsfolk and see disturbing deformities among the residents. Charles notices his resemblance to Curwen and feels an uncanny familiarity with the palace.

Charles and Anne meet the palace caretaker Simon, who encourages them to stay despite local hostility. Charles becomes increasingly obsessed with a portrait of Curwen, and his behavior begins to change, hinting at a mysterious influence over him.

Dr. Marinus Willet explains the history of Curwen’s death, the curse believed to deform the townspeople, and the existence of the Necronomicon, a magic book with which Curwen summoned Elder Gods. Curwen's plan involved mating with mortals to create super-humans and dominate the world.

Charles begins to fall under Curwen’s control and is possessed by his spirit. Curwen, along with fellow warlocks Simon and Jabez, plot to resurrect Hester and continue their dark work, with Charles as their vessel.

Curwen, in control of Charles, unleashes deadly attacks on the descendants of his enemies, including the killing of Ezra Weeden’s descendant and an attack on Micah Smith's descendant. Curwen also attempts to assault Anne, revealing his intent to dominate.

The townspeople storm the palace upon discovering the chaos and destruction. Dr. Willet and Anne discover a secret entrance and attempt to rescue Charles. They find Curwen’s minions, who are preparing to offer Anne as a sacrifice and to resurrect Hester as part of their plans.

As the palace is set on fire by the townspeople, Curwen’s portrait is destroyed, breaking his influence over Charles. Charles and Anne escape, but it’s evident that Curwen still inhabits Charles’s body. Dr. Willet attempts to rescue Charles, who remains possessed, marking the ongoing threat.