‘The Devil Rides Out is a British movie made by Hammer Film Productions in 1968. In the United States it was released under the title ‘The Devils Bride’. It is based on the 1934 novel by Dennis Wheatley. It is only 96 minutes long which is relatively short by todays standards and was rated X which is the same as todays 18. The movie was reviewed in 1993 by the BBF and was given a rating of 15.
The movie was first proposed in 1963 but the making of it only took place four years later. This was due to censorship worries over Satanism. The movie revolves around a satanic cult and also makes references to black magic. Production finally began on the 7th of August 1967.
Christopher Lee, plays a French nobleman Duc Nicholas De Riheleau living in the English countryside. After the arrival of his friend Rex Van Ryn (Leon Greene) and Simon Aron (Patrick Mower) the plot centers around his concern for Simon and his bizarre behavior. His concern is justified as unless he can save his friend, Simon will lose his soul to Satan within 3 days. Drastic measures are required. This is a story of the battle between the good and the forces of evil.
Satanic images and red flames accompany the opening credits. Both the credits and movie are shot in colour . The filming is quite shaky in parts following the cast as if walking alongside them bringing us closer into the movie.
Rex Van Ryn arrives on what appears to be a summers day. Its not dark and foggy as you would expect of a horror but blue skies and tweeting birds. By contrast when they arrive at Simons house its dark. The long shot of the house and the dramatic music give it a sinister appearance. Inside the house its again lit quite brightly with a gathering of the ‘astronomical society’ accompanying Simon. Greetings and introductions are made though it soon becomes clear things are not as they seem as they are asked to leave. Its made clear to the audience that 13 guests only should be present and that doesn’t include them. Before they leave Nicholas wanders around the guests. They come from all different countries , a very strange group for the English countryside! On their way to the door they make a detour to the observatory . The eerie music that starts and stops suddenly accompanys the discovery of hidden chickens. ‘chickens in a basket, signs on the floor! Does this mean something to you?’ asks Rex ‘it means Simon here is playing the most dangerous game to mankind!’ Nicholas tells! The game is up! The astronomical society is not that at all.
Drastic action must be taken and with one punch square on Simons chin they kidnap him and make their escape. The light reflecting off the mirror reflected directly into Simons face as he’s being hypnotized is accompanied with slow chimes giving even this harmless scene a sinister feel. Simon in a trance has a cross placed around his neck and sent to rest. Hocus Pokus, mumbo jumbo, black majic! Rex is mocking of their discovery but as Nicholas explains the camera shot zooms into his face showing the seriousness and severity of his words. He leans forward in his chair to emphasise his words ‘the power of darkness is more than just a superstision it’s a living force that can be tapped into at any given moment of the night’! A shot out of the window shows us its late at night and deep menacing music begins. Simons eyes open suddenly and he begins to choke himself with the chain of the pendant. The music gets louder and louder then stops suddenly as the Butler enters. The pendant is removed and Simon escapes.
A contrast from the bright daytime shot that opened this movie the lighting is now dim causing eerie shadows. The menacing music accompanies the two as they search Simons house for him. The clock chimes in the background as they slowly move up to the observatory making it feel creepy. The air gets colder. As they walk through the door the music is quiet and as they look around it fades out completely. It gives the game away that nothing scary is going to happen here.
Nicholas is very knowledgable about black magic and continues to explain their rituals step by step to Rex. The temperature drops, the loud music begins and smoke starts to come out of the sign on the floor. The lights dim and a figure appears in front of them. ‘Don’t look him in the eyes’ ! Rex fails to follow this advice and begins to walk stiffly as if being controlled towards the figure. By throwing the pendant onto the sign on the floor the spell is broken and the figure disappears. The lights come back on and they run for their lives.
If Rex thought it was nonsense before he is now a believer. Nicholas continues to explain their rituals and how at risk Simon is. Macata is a master of the highest grade has Simon in his hands! The baptism of Simon is to take place in just 24 hours and after that he will be lost forever. They must find the girl. Rex must take Tanith to a safe place as Nicholas researches occult literature.
A bright sunny day once again with the sounds of birds and the approaching car with Rex and Tanith. As Rex greets their hosts Tanith escapes in his car. With the dramatic statement ‘I must take your car, Simons life depends on it’ Rex gives chase. Eerie chimes and Macatas voice inside her head tell Tanith not to worry she will escape and Rex crashes his car. He has though managed to find where they are gathering.
The light is beginning to fade and loud drums and crashing cymbols begin as the sadanists begin their baptism. Simon and Tanith stand near by as a goat is sacrifced. The others cheer as its blood begins to flow. They dance wildly and drink what we assume is its blood. Dressed all in white they are easy to see in the clearing in the forest and our heroes watch them from the trees.. Tamith and Simon watch in a bewildered state watched over by Macata.
The Devil appears behind a screen of smoke and their baptism begins. If only there was some light Nicholas says in a dramatic fashion and with that they shine the car headlights on the gathering. Devil disappears with a puff of smoke and dramatic flash. In the confusion that follows wild punches are thrown and Simon and Tamith are rescued.
As Macata arrives to take back Tanith and Simon his plan is foiled and he leaves empty handed warning that something more sinister will return that night. Preperations are made for when darkness comes. A storm brews.
The lights dim and the wind howls outside. A giant spider is used to terrify our heroes as they stay protected within the circle. The angel of death is sent to claim them all. Close ups of the rearing horses hooves make us feel Simons fear as he lays looking up at them. The angel of deaths face is revealed and Nicholas shouts a chant that makes it disappear.
As Rex arrives with a dead Tanith the twist is revealed. The dark angel didn’t leave with her but a sleeping child that was upstairs. Using psychic and medium powers Nicholas is able to find out where she is. As they race to save the child they find her about to be sacrificed in another ceremony. As the child is about to be killed the spirit of tanith comes through Marie and halts the ceremony. She guides the child in a chant that has the place erupting in flames. Macata is taken and the child is saved. Not just the child though as Tanith is also spared and returns to the living., The music is light and gentle and this time it really is all over.
In terms of special effects the technology we know today was not around at the making of this movie. The music is strongly used to add tension and fear. The relatively new green screen technology was used to help create the magical images and the scenes in the car. The use of editing, reversing the film, and tight shots were used in scenes such as the spider scene and the the Angel of Death and helped make them frightening.
CREW;
Director – Terence Fisher, Screenplay – Richard Matheson, Based on the Novel by Dennis Wheatley, Producer – Anthony Nelson Keys, Photography – Arthur Grant, Music – James Bernard, Music Supervisor – Philip Martell, Special Effects – Michael Stalner-Hutchins, Supervising Art Director – Bernard Robinson. Production Company – Hammer/Seven Arts.
CAST;
Christopher Lee (Duc Nicholas de Richleau), Charles Gray (Mocata), Leon Greene (Rex Van Ryn), Niké Arrighi (Tanith Carlyle), Patrick Mower (Simon Aron), Sarah Lawson (Marie Eaton), Paul Eddington (Richard Eaton), Rosalyn Landor (Peggy Eaton)
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