The Devil Rides Out (1968)

Christopher Lee (Duc de Richaleau) and Leon Greene (Rex Van Ryn) visit Patrick Mower (Simon) and find him embroiled in a satanic cult led by Charles Gray (Blofeld in 007 James Bond films but Mocata in this). They try to save Simon and also Tanith (Nike Arrighi) but in doing so they anger not just Mocata but the devil himself. Along the way Mocata summons the Angel of Death as well as the Goat of Mendes to help battle to interfering forces. This is a brilliant Terrence Fisher film as much of his Hammer films usually are but it's miles apart from the usual monster films. Some of the effects may be a little dated by today's standards but the tension and aesthetics of the film make for an enjoyable ride. The use of satanic symbolism adds to the film greatly, the untrained eye may struggle to spot it but don't fear because Christopher Lee is on hand to explain all which helps the audience see the juxtaposition between something which may look ordinary and ornament but which carries significant meaning at the same time. For me the ending was a little weak and could have maybe been better had it unfolded differently but I can't remember that many films of that era using time paradoxes at all, let alone explaining them effectively so not to bamboozle innocent audience members. 7 out of 10.

Reportedly the personal favourite Hammer film for star Sir Christopher Lee, "The Devil Rides Out" is a marvelous outing for the studio. Adapted by Richard Matheson from the novel by Dennis Wheatley, it stars Sir Christopher as Duc de Richleau. Richleau, also known as Nicholas, is concerned when his younger friend Simon Aron (Patrick Mower) doesn't show up for a reunion with Nicholas and their other pal, Rex Van Ryn (Leon Greene). They learn that Simon has become involved with a demonic cult, led by the coldly charismatic Mocata (Charles Gray). It's a good thing for Simon - and the comely young Tanith (Nike Arrighi) - that Nicholas is on the case, because he's extremely knowledgeable about the occult and keeps a cool head in the face of danger.It's a treat to see the legendary Sir Christopher in one of his most purely heroic roles. He speaks his lines with such sincerity and absolute authority that one can't help but be completely absorbed in his words. He's just the kind of hero you need in this kind of situation. Although he's actually dubbed by another Hammer actor, Patrick Allen, Greene is reasonably engaging as Nicholas's friend. Arrighi is a pretty lady but alas is also pretty stiff. The rest of the supporting cast *is* superb, however, with the striking Gwen Ffrangcon Davies cast as the Countess, and a delightfully sinister Gray - known for his roles in such things as "Diamonds are Forever" and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" - provides the film with a very effective villain. His one big scene has him subtly seducing / hypnotizing Nicholas's niece Marie Eaton (Sarah Lawson). Like Sir Christopher, Gray has the ability to have you hanging on his every word.This is an intelligent, involving horror story that has some memorable scare moments. The special effects are, on occasion, rather ropey, but they never detract from the entertainment value of this tale. Terence Fishers' direction is typically meticulous, and James Bernard concocted a thunderous, insistent score that serves as dramatic punctuation on the action.One of the finest of all Hammer films.Eight out of 10.

THE DEVIL RIDES OUT (1968) *** Excellent horror film from Hammer Films with their star attraction, Christopher Lee in rare form as a well-versed duke who discovers a friend in peril with a Satanic cult enduring all of his free will and knowledge to battle the nefarious leader (Charles Gray) (literally) hell bent in taking his friends' souls (including the friend's girlfriend) with a battle royale. Sterling script adaptation by legendary Richard Matheson based on a novel by Dennis Wheatley with impeccable direction by veteran helmsman Terence Fisher and resplendent production design by Bernard Robinson. More suspenseful than scary yet told with great flair and visual elegance.

Very cool Hammer film from the great Terence Fisher with Christopher Lee playing the good guy for a change. Lee plays the Duc de Richleau who, along with his friend Rex Van Ryn (Leon Greene), rescues a late friend's son and a young woman from a Satanic cult led by a powerful man named Mocata (Charles Gray). Now holed up at a country estate, de Richleau and Rex must fight off Mocata and the forces of evil.One of my favorite Hammer films. The screenplay comes from Richard Matheson, adapted from a novel by Dennis Wheatley. Fisher's direction is terrific. The movie has a great 1920s period look and at times a very creepy atmosphere. The cast is excellent, with Lee giving one of his best performances. Charles Gray gives a subdued turn that makes him all the more menacing. I really like this one and rewatch it more than most Hammer movies I own. It's an exciting, enjoyable movie that will surely please Lee and Hammer fans.