Ralph Desmond writes novels which are dictated to him by the ghost of his 17th century ancestor. On the height of his success, Desmond vanishes into the past.; Elmo Hackett, collector of death masks of people who died unnatural deaths, leads the reader through his exhibition. Until he finds his own mask on display.; Eddie Bascomb escapes from prison and finds shelter with professor Judson Lamont. Lamont studies the evil in human nature and makes Bascomb commit crimes. When a rival of the professor is found dead, the police arrest both men.; The magician Carlton Van Dru claims to have powers of real magic. Scorned by his unbelieving colleagues, Van Dru swears revenge. One day he is found dead, but returns from the grave to taunt his fellow magicians. A police detective investigates and exposes a hoax.; In Sydney, Australia, a couple is chased by an evil tornado.; A ghostly apparition directs a ship on a rescue mission.