“A
brilliant adaptation from Dennis
Wheatley’s
novel of the same name, The Devil Rides Out is an utterly
fascinating story about a young man
who is lured into a black magic coven
where his very soul is at risk...”
WORRIED THAT HE HASN'T SEEN HIS ADOPTED NEPHEW for some time, Nicholas, Duc
de Richleau (the magnificent Christopher Lee in a role that was one of his personal
favourites and the complete opposite of the evil Dracula) is even more concerned
when he and his cynical friend Rex (Leon Greene) visit the home of Simon Aron
(a well-cast Patrick Mower).
The door is opened by a sinister butler and the house is full of some very suspicious
characters, including the menacing Mocata (Charles Gray on perfect form). The
Duc is undeterred and pushes himself through the door, finding evidence of devil-worship
and confronting his nephew. But Simon is evasive and claims he is merely hosting
a meeting of a little astronomy society.
“A frightening
and fascinating movie
that more than
delivers the goods...”
Simon's
father was the Duc's best friend and when he died Nicholas was entrusted with
Simon's care. With his extensive knowledge of the occult, Nicholas quickly realises
that the young man is risking losing his soul to a great evil and he kidnaps
Simon to keep him from the bloodied ritual that would mark his initiation.
However, Mocata will not be stopped and is powerful enough to keep the members
of his satanic cult under control. Nicholas sees the power of darkness as a
living force that can be tapped into at any given moment of the night so, with
dusk approaching he takes Simon to the home of his niece Marie (Sarah Lawson)
and her husband Richard (a serious role for the great Paul Eddington) for protection.
Having also rescued the lovely Tanith (Niké Arrighi) from Mocata, Nicholas and
Rex underestimate the strength of Mocata's influence — unwittingly
the Duc has brought evil to his niece's door and put her young daughter Peggy
(Rosalyn Landor) into the hands of Mocata.
Mocata will stop at nothing to thwart Nicolas; unleashing a frightening and
malevolent evil with the powers of darkness, including Satan himself and the
Angel of Death. The Duc can only hope that his own knowledge and strength can
keep his life and those of his charges — and most of all their souls
— safe from "the most dangerous game KNOWN to mankind"…
Based on the celebrated novel by Dennis Wheatley, The Devil Rides Out
is one of Hammer's most accomplished and thrilling mystery horrors. Filmed at
the famous Elstree Studios in the 1970s, it is a frightening and fascinating
movie that more than delivers the goods.
Dennis Wheatley knew his stuff and the film benefits from his extensive knowledge
of the black arts. The opening images alone are scary and the music adds to
the tension. The line of beautiful vintage cars is magnificent and belie the
sinister destination. The Devil Rides Out gets better at every turn.
You'll be spooked.
The Devil Rides Out also features: Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies as The Countess;
Russell Waters as Malin. Music is Composed by James Bernard; Choreographer is
David Toguri; Director of Photography is Arthur Grant, BSC; Screenplay by Richard
Matheson from the celebrated novel The Devil Rides Out by Dennis Wheatley;
Special Effects Supervisor is Michael Stainer-Hutchins; Produced by Anthony
Nelson Keys; and Directed by Terence Fisher.
STUDIOCANAL and Hammer Films present the fully-restored film The Devil Rides
Out, AVAILABLE ON DVD and Blu-ray Double Play on 22 October 2012. Total
Running Time: 96 Minutes Approximately | Catalogue Number: OPTBD0697 | RRP:
£22.99.
"The Devil Rides Out… a frightening and fascinating movie that more than
delivers the goods" — Maggie Woods, MotorBar
“A
brilliant adaptation from Dennis