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American psychologist John Holden (Dana Andrews) arrives in England to discover that his colleague, Henry Harrington (Maurice Denham), has suddenly died following his efforts to discredit notorious occultist Julian Karswell (Niall MacGinnis). The cynical Holden dismisses Karswell's warnings as supernatural nonsense, even when he and Harrington's niece, Joanna (Peggy Cummins), are confronted by a series of bizarre and inexplicable events. Holden discovers that Karswell has slipped him a parchment featuring ancient runic symbols a sign that, like Harrington before him, he has been marked for imminent destruction by a fire-breathing demon. As the night of his threatened demise draws nearer, the fearful Holden begins to suspect that Karswell has been telling the truth all along... Contains special features including 'Curse of the Demon', the re-edited American version.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
40 of 41 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I don't normally write these reviews, but I could not let this go without awarding it 5 stars. It's my all time top film and has been for many years. I can recite the words along with the film, have visited Bricket Wood station just because the finale was filmed there. I could go on and on - but I won't.
If you have never watched this film before, you are in for a wonderful atmospheric horror movie that oozes atmosphere. If you have seen it - you'll know just how brilliant it is!
If you have never watched this film before, you are in for a wonderful atmospheric horror movie that oozes atmosphere. If you have seen it - you'll know just how brilliant it is!
75 of 80 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Night of the Demon is one of the greatest films of the 1950's. A cult classic that holds up to repeated viewings. The film is based on the M R James story 'Cast the Runes' and features Dana Andrews as John Holden, a sceptical psychologist who scepticism begins to ebb away after he meets Dr Julian Karswell.
Karswell is played brilliantly by Niall MacGinnis and there are a number of marvellous scenes between Holden and Karswell. Perhaps the best being a scene in the London Library. Of the remaining cast Maurice Denham is deserving of mention for his small but crucial role as Professor Harrington.
Although it is often quoted that the director Jacques Tournier did not want the Demon shown in the film at all, but bowed to pressure from the producers, the Demon when it appears is a remarkable special effects creation for 1957. Tournier was probably right but it doesn't spoil the film that much.
Originally there were two versions of this film an American cut called 'Curse of the Demon' which ran to 82mins and the British cut 'Night of the Demon' which ran to 95mins. The version on this DVD seems to be closer to the British cut.
Karswell is played brilliantly by Niall MacGinnis and there are a number of marvellous scenes between Holden and Karswell. Perhaps the best being a scene in the London Library. Of the remaining cast Maurice Denham is deserving of mention for his small but crucial role as Professor Harrington.
Although it is often quoted that the director Jacques Tournier did not want the Demon shown in the film at all, but bowed to pressure from the producers, the Demon when it appears is a remarkable special effects creation for 1957. Tournier was probably right but it doesn't spoil the film that much.
Originally there were two versions of this film an American cut called 'Curse of the Demon' which ran to 82mins and the British cut 'Night of the Demon' which ran to 95mins. The version on this DVD seems to be closer to the British cut.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Incredible film, well worth the wait, but what a pity we did have to wait so long.
Regarding the Demon debate, whether or not it should have been shown, Tony Earnshaw's book on the making of the film, Beating the Devil, covers the matter pretty well, including some quotes from Tourneur and other crew members that seem to be contradictory; that is, in most places he seems adamant that the demon did not appear by his design, but in one or two others it seems that he was not just aware, but also active in placing it within the film. Personally, I suspect that the truth can be found by watching the film itself. There are two elements to the Demon special effect: the long shot, which is absolutely stunning, particularly given the low budget on which it was achieved; the other is a rather pathetic man in a monster suit, which appears very briefly, and could be seen as justification of Tourneur's repugnance for the appearance of the Demon. I have no doubt it is only these few dozen frames featuring the rubber clad SFX man that could have caused the director's consternation. The shame of it is that they could easily have been left out without affecting the film in anything but a positive manner.
MAKE NO MISTAKE - The appearance of the Demon is incredible, adding to and complimenting the film, and ultimately being the thing that stamps the film in the mind. Without it, the film would have still been great, but I suspect it would not have fascinated so many minds for so many years. Any pseudo intellectual babble about it spoiling the film in any way is ill conceived. It is only a few frames that do the damage, not the presence of the demon itself, and they are not enough to take away from the over all effect.
In my opinion, the appearance of the Demon is one of the most brilliant realisations of a film monster in any movie of any time, and one of the most striking scenes in movies full stop.
Tony Earnshaw's book is an excellent companion to the film, though I suggest watching it before reading the book, and then watching again.
But whatever happens, make sure you do watch it!
Regarding the Demon debate, whether or not it should have been shown, Tony Earnshaw's book on the making of the film, Beating the Devil, covers the matter pretty well, including some quotes from Tourneur and other crew members that seem to be contradictory; that is, in most places he seems adamant that the demon did not appear by his design, but in one or two others it seems that he was not just aware, but also active in placing it within the film. Personally, I suspect that the truth can be found by watching the film itself. There are two elements to the Demon special effect: the long shot, which is absolutely stunning, particularly given the low budget on which it was achieved; the other is a rather pathetic man in a monster suit, which appears very briefly, and could be seen as justification of Tourneur's repugnance for the appearance of the Demon. I have no doubt it is only these few dozen frames featuring the rubber clad SFX man that could have caused the director's consternation. The shame of it is that they could easily have been left out without affecting the film in anything but a positive manner.
MAKE NO MISTAKE - The appearance of the Demon is incredible, adding to and complimenting the film, and ultimately being the thing that stamps the film in the mind. Without it, the film would have still been great, but I suspect it would not have fascinated so many minds for so many years. Any pseudo intellectual babble about it spoiling the film in any way is ill conceived. It is only a few frames that do the damage, not the presence of the demon itself, and they are not enough to take away from the over all effect.
In my opinion, the appearance of the Demon is one of the most brilliant realisations of a film monster in any movie of any time, and one of the most striking scenes in movies full stop.
Tony Earnshaw's book is an excellent companion to the film, though I suggest watching it before reading the book, and then watching again.
But whatever happens, make sure you do watch it!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
"Some things it is better not to know."
"Do I believe in witchcraft? What kind of witchcraft? The legendary witch that rides on the imaginary broom? The hex that tortures the thoughts of the victim? Read more
Published 5 months ago by Trevor Willsmer
Good, but nevertheless badly dated.
I am a big fan of classic horrors, "The Haunting (1963)" "Les Diaboliques" and "Carnival of Souls (1963). Read more
Published 5 months ago by Joseph
A classic horror
Its not high tech CGI but being B&W gives it atmosphere and brilliant story - shouldn't be missed a classic
Published 6 months ago by MuraLyra
Night of the Demon
Have loved this film ever since I hid behind the sofa watching it as a small boy! It`s lost none of it`s suspense and, I still rate the "special effects!"
Published 7 months ago by Mr John Gardiner
Like one that on a lonesome road....
The reviewers who gave this film five stars were spot on. It was gripping from beginning to end. There is nothing I would add to the details given by its admirers except to... Read more
Published 8 months ago by lycidas
All Time Top Film
I first saw this film while still at school. One stations used to run a double bill of horror films on a Friday night. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Mrs. P. BROOKSBANK
Night of The Demon
Watched this in 1972 as a Twelve Year Old and it was absolutely brilliant. By far the best British Horror Movie ever! Forget Dracula this is the Biz!
Published 11 months ago by Rick
NIGHT OF THE DEMON
THIS IS A REAL OLD FASHIONED SCI FI MOVIE WITH LOTS OF ATMOSPHERE AND GOOD STORY.PITY ABOUT THE SIGHTING OF THE DEMON AT THE END THOUGH! Read more
Published 12 months ago by Ms. J. F. Mace
You know, the devil has something here. Very pleasant.
Dr. John Holden arrives in England to attend a paranormal convention where the recently deceased Professor Harrington had intended to expose Dr. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Spike Owen
Time allowed is just three days from now.
But as the time gets closer mental disintegration will set in, first weakness and unsureness, and then horror as the fear of what is behind you grips your heart, because it's there... Read more
Published 13 months ago by T. BARNES
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