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7
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7 |
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10
= Highest Rating |
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Known
as The Devil's Bride when first released
in America, this supernatural thriller is one
of Hammer's best efforts. Don't expect dazzling
visuals or gory makeup; the story and performances
are the main attraction. In truth, this is one
film that would be positively killer if
remade in this modern age of improved special
effects. The FX elements in the original lean
decidedly to the cheesy, to its detriment.
Good pacing and intelligent
dialog are hallmarks of the script, which was
adapted from the Dennis Wheatley book by acclaimed
novelist and horror film writer Richard Matheson
(I Am Legend, House
Of Usher, The
Night Stalker). Christopher Lee has one of
the best roles of his career here; he actually
gets to play hero rather than heavy. As the wealthy
Duc de Richleau, a French aristocrat with deep
knowledge of mysticism and the occult, Lee matches
wits with the dangerous warlock Mocata (Charles
Gray, the Criminologist in The
Rocky Horror Picture Show)
for control of a young friend's soul. (It's
Dracula vs. The Man With No Neck!) Gray positively
oozes a menacing charm as the devil-worshipping
sorcerer, making a more than worthy opponent for
Lee's intrepid nobleman. Their battle of supernatural
powers — one serving the forces of darkness, the
other a paladin of Christ — forms the core of
the picture, and though compromised by a somewhat
anti-climactic ending, proves an audience-engaging
rivalry.
Christopher Lee, a friend of novelist Dennis
Wheatley, was the prime mover in getting the film
made by Hammer. Though some liberties were taken
with the original material (de Richleau is an
elderly man in the book), Wheatley was reportedly
delighted with the outcome, considering it the
best adaptation of any of his works. Such was
not the case in 1976, when another Wheatley novel
was filmed by Hammer. The author was appalled
by the blood and nudity-filled To
The Devil... A Daughter, which turned
out to be the last horror film the company ever
produced.
Lee has stated in numerous interviews that for
the last few years he's been shopping around a
remake of The Devil Rides
Out, with himself again in the role of
de Richleau. (79 at the time of this review, he's
certainly the right age.)
I wish him success in this effort.
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Anchor
Bay's quality DVD release of The
Devil Rides Out should please any devotee
of classic horror films. Supplementing this worthy
film is an interesting and informative audio commentary
with co-stars Lee and Sarah Lawson, which to any
true Hammer fan is worth the disc's price alone
(even though it sounds like it was recorded in a
cave).
Visually,
this is the best the film has looked since its 1968
debut. Both the U.K. and U.S. threatical trailers
are included (the latter under the alternate Devil's
Bride title), as well as an episode of the World
of Hammer TV documentary. 4/10/01 |
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