Legendary auteurs examine the idea that horror films reflect the times and places in which they are made. They also illustrate how classic monster movies exploited the anxieties of war-time generations, and how more savage modern horror films stem from the psychic fallout of America's counterculture movement. The documentary explores the timeless, universal appeal of horror movies by examining the pervasive theme of The Outsider. The history of the horror film is a story of the individual at odds with any organization that threatens life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, with the appeal of the genre rooted not only in timely fears but in the spirit of rebellion--a spirit that consistently defines American life, as well as many horror filmmakers.