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Film Description
One of the best Hammers, with a script by the great Richard Matheson that manages to keep the magical lore of the original Dennis Wheatley novel. Lee gets a rare chance to play the hero, and does so wonderfully, and Gray is phenomenally captivating as the tremendously urbane devil worshipper.
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
