A terrific British film about a sceptical American psychologist investigating a satanic cult leader in rural England, only to find himself marked for death by an ancient runic curse.

Dr. John Holden ventures to London to attend a paranormal psychology symposium with the intention to expose devil cult leader Julian Karswell. Holden is a skeptic and does not believe in Karswell's power. Nonetheless, he accepts an invitation to stay at Karswell's estate, along with Joanna Harrington, niece of Holden's confidant who was electrocuted in a bizarre car accident. Karswell secretly slips a parchment into Holden's papers that might possibly be a death curse. Recurring strange events finally strike fear into Holden, who believes has to find a way to save himself.

Directed by Jacques Tourneur, the master of atmospheric horror behind Cat People and I Walked with a Zombie, Night of the Demon is a wonderfully eerie mix of occult mystery, psychological thriller and full-blooded supernatural horror. With its shadowy London streets, ancient rituals and unforgettable demon, it builds a creeping sense of dread that makes the most of what you don’t see. Incidentally Kate Bush has said this is one of her favorite films, and the song Hounds of Love begins with a quote from a line spoken in the film by Maurice Denham.

"One of the finest thrillers made in England during the '50s, despite the fact that the final cut was tampered with against the director's wishes" - Time Out

"Even now there is little doubt that Night Of The Demon packs a powerful punch despite featuring no gore or much in the way of special effects" -  Empire 

"A film that survives even its most unsubtle special effects to earn its place as one of the great films of British vintage cinema" - Film 4

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Credits:

Actor

Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummings, Niall MacGinnis

Director

Jacques Tournier

Running Time: 82 min

Year: 1957

Country: United Kingdom

Languages: English

Subtitles: No subtitles

Recomended Age: PG

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