The Devil Rides Out

One of Hammer's most effective films, bringing Dennis Wheatley's novel to the screen, also allows Christopher Lee to play a force for good. Lee's suave urbanity as, sa... more >

One of Hammer's most effective films, bringing Dennis Wheatley's novel to the screen, also allows Christopher Lee to play a force for good. Lee's suave urbanity as, say, Dracula made life as an undead acolyte at least worthy of consideration. Here, as a man whose knowledge of esoteric doctrines suggests a close call of his own in the past with devilry, but in whom good has won out (just), he has the conviction of a convert. He plays the Duc de Richleau, who tries to save his friend's son when it becomes apparent that the boy's 'astronomical society' is actually a circle of devil-worshippers preparing to initiate him at the impending witches' sabbath. He must somehow counter the icy blue-eyed Charles Gray as the ‘Adept of the left-hand path’ Mocata.
One of director Terence Fisher's talents was for staging the arresting moment. Here he also displays his skill with quietly unsettling effect too - Mocata's eyes appearing in a car mirror for example. The score is unmistakeably from Hammer’s most prolific composer James Bernard - thoroughly dominant in all the right places. < less

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Film Details

Cast

Christopher Lee, Charles Gray

Technical Details