The Devil Rides Out (1968)

Memorable, crazy movie

Don't listen to the Hype. It's awful

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

When I first saw this in the cinema a lot of the audience left when about half way through the Duc is asked if it is all over and he answers "Yes". It only takes a few more seconds to discover it isn't over!, so don't switch off/change channel/leave just yet!One minor oddity is that for some reason they changed the name of the daughter from Fleur to Peggy. I can't see any good reason for that. The part in the book where Mocata hypnotizes Peggy's mother is well worth a read as gradually over about three pages or so Dennis Wheatley changes her view from repulsion to highly attracted. Cleverly done. There is a possible goof in the opening moments of the film. Rex gets out of the rear seat of the two seater aircraft. That may be right, but it looks a bit odd.

Two Englishmen kidnap the son of a mutual friend to keep him away from the clutches of a Satanic cult, which is easier said than done in this supernatural horror film from the Hammer team. The script may not be first rate (lots of rambling about good and evil, plus the optimistic ending feels very out-of-place), however, the film has many powerful moments thanks to solid special effects, a riveting music score from James Bernard and the unsettling implication that everyone is vulnerable and capable of being manipulated by evil. The film's best moments come towards the end as the Englishmen and some others are taunted by illusions of gigantic arachnids and a young girl in distress, however, the Satanic rituals in the woods are eerie too and bring to mind 'Race with a Devil' - which could have conceivably taken inspiration from what is depicted here. The film trips up a bit with the casting of Charles Gray as the lead Satanist; his piercing stares often come across as comical rather than menacing. Apparently, fellow James Bond alumnus Gert Fröbe was the first choice for the role, and that may have worked better. Sarah Lawson also makes for an uninspired casting choice and curious as it is to have Christopher Lee as a heroic protagonist for a change, playing a film's hero is not his forte. Rosalyn Landor is lovely in her precious few scenes though and Eddie Powell is downright creepy, covered in heavy goat makeup. This may not be Hammer's best film as some out there claim, but it is one of their more offbeat and interesting efforts for sure.

Reportedly the personal favourite Hammer film for star Sir Christopher Lee, "The Devil Rides Out" is a marvelous outing for the studio. Adapted by Richard Matheson from the novel by Dennis Wheatley, it stars Sir Christopher as Duc de Richleau. Richleau, also known as Nicholas, is concerned when his younger friend Simon Aron (Patrick Mower) doesn't show up for a reunion with Nicholas and their other pal, Rex Van Ryn (Leon Greene). They learn that Simon has become involved with a demonic cult, led by the coldly charismatic Mocata (Charles Gray). It's a good thing for Simon - and the comely young Tanith (Nike Arrighi) - that Nicholas is on the case, because he's extremely knowledgeable about the occult and keeps a cool head in the face of danger.It's a treat to see the legendary Sir Christopher in one of his most purely heroic roles. He speaks his lines with such sincerity and absolute authority that one can't help but be completely absorbed in his words. He's just the kind of hero you need in this kind of situation. Although he's actually dubbed by another Hammer actor, Patrick Allen, Greene is reasonably engaging as Nicholas's friend. Arrighi is a pretty lady but alas is also pretty stiff. The rest of the supporting cast *is* superb, however, with the striking Gwen Ffrangcon Davies cast as the Countess, and a delightfully sinister Gray - known for his roles in such things as "Diamonds are Forever" and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" - provides the film with a very effective villain. His one big scene has him subtly seducing / hypnotizing Nicholas's niece Marie Eaton (Sarah Lawson). Like Sir Christopher, Gray has the ability to have you hanging on his every word.This is an intelligent, involving horror story that has some memorable scare moments. The special effects are, on occasion, rather ropey, but they never detract from the entertainment value of this tale. Terence Fishers' direction is typically meticulous, and James Bernard concocted a thunderous, insistent score that serves as dramatic punctuation on the action.One of the finest of all Hammer films.Eight out of 10.

I love Hammer movies, I love Christopher Lee. With all the praise this movie gets, I was really looking forward to this movie. Shockingly, I was very disappointed. I actually thought it was rather dull at times and somewhat dated as well. There is some good atmosphere at times, but I never felt truly terrified or threatened. Maybe I've seen too many of these movies or something, but I wasn't all that effected by it. I also hate how people automatically deny that it's happening. It happens in way too many horror movies. The set designs are lavish as usual, for a Hammer movie. It was also fun to see Christopher Lee play a good guy as well. Robert Gray gives a chilling performance as a disciple. It was far from bad, just disappointing. This is the second Devil related Hammer film that I've been disappointed with. The first was "To the Devil a Daughter" This one is better than that movie, but it's nothing outstanding. Apparently, this is Lee's favorite film that he made. Why?5.7/10