Dr. Guthrie is a parapsychologist. He is well-versed in paranormal phenomenon. He knows his way around a crypt and a séance. He isn’t afraid to dig up a grave and open a sealed coffin. He recognizes a trance and the feel of evil. He has convinced the skeptics at Collinwood beyond any doubt that something mystical is happening. So, how does such a knowledgeable, persuasive man manage to make such a colossal mess of things?
Guthrie has seen that Elizabeth Stoddard is under the spell of a powerful trance. He knows that Sam Evans has been badly burned in an unlikely situation. The ghost of Josette Collins seems to be forewarning imminent danger. Yet, knowing how powerful and vindictive Laura Collins can be, Guthrie barges into her cottage and tells her what he knows.
“You are the undead,” declares Dr. Guthrie.
Laura says she can’t decide whether to laugh or cry at his foolishness. What she does instead is to get even.
When Guthrie returns to the Collinwood, the huge eyes of Laura fill the screen as the doctor writhes in agony---the same symptoms Elizabeth Stoddard showed. The only thing that broke Laura’s spell was the touch of David. Guthrie knows that Laura is trying to reach him, prevent him from exposing her secret. Yet, knowing Laura’s plan and that only David can save him, Dr. Guthrie still gets in his car alone to meet the others for what they all hope is the final conclusive séance.
Yep, you guessed it. Bad idea. Heading to the old house, the doctor complains that an oncoming vehicle’s lights are too bright and, moments later, the doctor lies dead beside the road.
Whatever possessed him to grab that particular big stick and poke the mean, nasty Phoenix in her lair?
I am going to miss his character with his clunky black glasses and increasing reliance on reading the script from cue cards.
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