I had a chance to see this film yesterday and I must say I quite liked it. It is a Hammer work, from 1968, and centres obviously around Satanism. I really like the way the villain describes magic and whether it is evil. The film is not flashy but has special effects which are very rare in Hammer's films (they also are not that particularly good, although they might have been scary for the time). The use of misleading and illusion on part of the villains, and how to strike mentally at the heroes is also a pretty good example for how to do it in Ravenloft.
Also, let me say that I particularly like Christopher Lee in this film. It was also a nice surprise to see Paul Eddington as something else than (Prime) Minister. I spent the whole film trying to find who that man was, thas was so well known to me and yet I couldn't place him
If The Devil Rides Out isn't Hammer's best film, it is certainly in their top three.
As much as I like Christopher Lee as Dracula, it is his performances as Duc De Richleau (The Devil Rides Out) and Lord Summerisle (from the original Wicker Man) that stand out as his best horror roles.
And Charles Gray is a lot more smooth and suave as Mr. Moccata than he ever was as the cartoonish Blofeld in the James Bond films.
Anyway, if you like the film, check out the book by Dennis Wheatley; It's a great read. It's kind of hard to find in America at a reasonable price but worth it when you finally do track it down.
[url=http://www.classichorrorfilmboard.com/]Classic Horror Film Board[/url]
[url=http://www.halloweenartexhibit.com/]Annual Halloween Art Exhibit - Chicago[/url]
Yep it is definatley one of Hammers best. I will be watching " To the Devil a Daughter" this weekend, another Wheatley story.
Anyway, if you like the film, check out the book by Dennis Wheatley; It's a great read. It's kind of hard to find in America at a reasonable price but worth it when you finally do track it down.
I picked up Wheatleys whole black magic series for about 2 bucks from Halfpriced books last year
Maraudar
Blade, fire, pistol or stake it matters not.. Even the undead can become true dead.
LordGodefroi wrote:
And Charles Gray is a lot more smooth and suave as Mr. Moccata than he ever was as the cartoonish Blofeld in the James Bond films.
He's only Blofeld in one film: Diamonds Are Forever-- and to be honest, I'm not sure *any* actor could've done much with the role the way it was written for that film...
