The Devil Rides Out: Terence Fisher

This may very well be my favorite Hammer Horror film that I have ever seen.  It combines all of the elements of a great horror film: an unbearable atmosphere, terrifying imagery, fantastic performances, and a story that revels in the unknown and what we can't see.  The film stars Hammer work-horse Christopher Lee in an unusual heroic role, playing the Duc de Richleau, a man who investigates the odd habits of his friend's son only to discover his participation in black magic.  They kidnap his son from a Satanic ritual that actually succeeds in summoning the Dark One.  Afterwards, they must keep him safe from demonic possession until morning when the ritual is over.  Thus begins one of the most compelling horror sequences that I have ever seen: black magic attacks upon Duc de Richleau and his friends.  They stand inside a magic circle which protects them, and the son, from magical possession.  The trouble is that the black magicians can do anything they want to get them to leave the circle.  They are bombarded with tricks, spells, and illusions that nearly drive them to madness.  In one of the film's best scenes, they summon an illusion of one of the participant's daughter and make them watch as she is attacked by a giant tarantula.  Everything about this film works.  Christopher Lee is at the top of his game.  The effects are spectacular and effective.  The story is compelling and captivating.  The suspense is real and terrible.  For those of you who have never seen a Hammer Horror film, this is where you should begin.

9/10