Good Against Evil (1977)

Instant Favorite.

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

The film opens in 1955 with the birth of a daughter under dubious circumstances. The mother dies, it is a cat thing and we jump 22 years later to Jessica (Elyssa Davalos) a dress designer in San Francisco, a dead Satanic give-away, although Jessica doesn't know anything about this. It would seem the Dark Lord could simply occupy a willing person that designated someone who grows up clueless and doesn't want the gig. I don't write this stuff. Andy (Dack Rambo) runs into Jessica and falls in love in about three dates (not 10) and realizes something is wrong because of an old building has a draft and enlists the help of a couple of priests...cheaper than fixing the furnace.This was a TV pilot film for ABC in 1977 which would have had a long train of "Exocist", "Omen" and "Rosemary's Baby" type episodes without Ave Satani, Tubular Bells, or Carmina Burana. The music made the films. This film was boring as hell. Available on some multi-film discs.

This film begins much like "Rosemary's Baby", though in this case Beelzebub apparently got a girl--a girl who grew up and had no idea she was the child of pure EVIL!! During much of the first part of the film, she is wooed by a creepy suitor (Dack Rambo)--who is supposed to be romantic because he won't take NO for an answer (I sure was getting rapist vibes from this!). Then, abruptly, the film switches and you hear nothing more about the lady after she is hypnotized! The plot changes to a child who is possessed and her mother (a young Kim Cattrall)--and the viewer is left wandering what happened to the Devil's daughter?! And, by the end of the film, you have absolutely no idea whatsoever! The film just abruptly ends! "Good Against Evil" was apparently a failed TV series pitched by ABC. It's hard to imagine now, but with the popularity of books and films such as "The Exorcist" and "The Omen", someone at the network thought it would be a good idea to create a TV series about the fight between the followers of Satan and God. The problem is that although this MIGHT have worked, the DVD for this is amazingly unsatisfying to watch--it's not really a movie but PART of a plot for a film that was never completed. What they did show really isn't very good and since there is no ending or even a reasonable stopping point, I can't see any reason to recommend it. It literally stops as if they just ran out of film!! Not worth your time.

"A young couple is forced to confront the ultimate horror when Satan decides to claim the young woman as his own. The boyfriend consults with two priests in the hopes of getting guidance on his spiritual dilemma. The two priests in turn decide to perform an exorcism in order to rid the woman of her possession. The boyfriend and the exorcists are pitted in a battle for the woman's soul with Satan and his clan of worshipers," according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis.This television movie has its strengths; however, the story is very weak, and the production values do not entirely satisfy the need for horrific moments. For example, the cats perform well -- but, they are not very scary. Still, writer Jimmy Sangster and director Paul Wendkos handle the assignment well. The reason the Satanists could not simply kill the hero was one of the nicer touches (though, arguably, it's inconsistent). The unsatisfying ending suggests a sequel or series was planned. There are several fine performances.Dack Rambo (as Andy Stuart) is quite likable in the lead role; he is very appealing as the persistent, romantic magazine writer who meets fashion designer Elyssa Davalos in San Francisco, after denting her car. Due to an opening prologue, we know Ms. Davalos is likely the woman chosen to birth the "Anti-Christ". Davalos provides the "Rosemary's Baby" recall, and Kim Cattrall (as Linda) helps add "The Exorcist" to the proceedings. Thankfully, Mr. Rambo and his co-stars stay focused on their characterizations, and don't venture "over the top".Priestly John Harkins (as Father Wheatley) is always a welcome supporting player; he was unforgettable on "Dark Shadows", blackmailing Chris Pennock and frightening Joan Bennett; and, of course, Mr. Harkins delivered the eulogy for the dearly departed "Chuckles the Clown", causing Mary Tyler Moore's laughing fit. Priestly Dan O'Herlihy (as Father Kemschler) was a part of the "Shadows"-swipe "Dark Mansions" and essayed many memorable characters; his supporting roles in "RoboCop" and "Twin Peaks" are memorable. Devilish Richard Lynch (as Rimmin), meddling Erica Yohn (as Agnes), and resolute Peggy McCay (as Irene) are also appealing. If only the story were better… ***** Good Against Evil (5/22/77) Paul Wendkos ~ Dack Rambo, Elyssa Davalos, Richard Lynch

"Good Against Evil" is a boring little stinker that time forgot...until it was resurrected on DVD (as part of the "Fright Night" 10-movie pak). Clearly a made-for-TV production, it is so lacking in action of any sort that the best reason for viewing it is to induce sleep. Dan O'Herlihy enters far too late to redeem this dull-as-a-doornail production, doing his best Max von Sydow impression as the priest who attempts to perform an exorcism. How "Good Against Evil" flew by the radar of The Satellite of Love is beyond me.zero/10