The Devil Rides Out
By Mal Simons, Blockbuster.co.uk

Christopher Lee stars in this brilliant horror thriller from Hammer. An adaptation of Dennis Wheatley’s acclaimed classic novel, this is one of the greatest horror films of the sixties and stands up well to this day. When their friend is enticed by a group of Satanists; self taught occult expert Duc De Richelieu (Lee) and his well meaning but ultimately gormless friend Rex (Leon Greene) fight to save him. They have to defeat ‘Mocata’ (Charles Gray), the leader of the Satanists who has a direct connection to the Devil himself. Gripping, creepy and downright scary, this is a fantastic Hammer horror classic.

Based on the best selling book by Dennis Wheatley, Christopher Lee reportedly convinced Wheatley to allow Hammer to make this book into a film and therefore won the right to play the lead hero in this picture. Wheatley was so pleased with the film that he gave Hammer the rights to his other novels.

The film opens with the Duc De Richelieu waiting for his friend Rex to land in a field outside of his country estate. The two of them are due to meet with their mutual friend Simon (Patrick Mower) for a reunion but he has not been in touch for many months. Concerned about him, the two of them drive to Simon’s home to discover that he has been enticed by a group of Satanists and he is about to be baptised into the order which will condemn his soul to eternal damnation. Managing to kidnap their friend under the noses of the other Satanists, they drive Simon back to Duc De Richelieu’s manor house.

It doesn’t take long before Simon escapes from the grounds of the house and the two of them have to go and rescue him once again. This time however, they find Simon and the other Satanists in a field conducting a ceremony that has summoned the Devil himself. Thowing a crucifix directly at the evil being as they drive through the crowd in their automobile, they manage to grab Simon and his other unbaptised companion before it is too late.

Unfortunately the Devil’s loyal servant on Earth Mocata has already marked their souls for his master and is not willing to let them go so easily, possessing a power of persuasion and a supernatural ability to influence his subjects to kill in his name. Taking refuge at a friend’s house, Duc De Richelieu must use his knowledge of the dark arts to save his friend and defeat the Mocata demon.

A fantastic film that will grip you right from the start; with quality writing, a stellar cast and tremendous acting – this is Hammer at its best. This film stands up well to the test of time and is as relevant today as it was back then. Highly recommended to rent, add to your list now.

This title has been rated 42 times.