The Devil Rides Out
The Devil Rides Out ★★★½ The Devil's Bride 1968
Considered by many to be Hammer's finest achievement, though several other of the studio's films rate serious consideration. This one's a solid witchcraft tale written by Richard Matheson. In 1925, the Duc de Richleau (Lee), a “good” warlock, and the evil Mocata battle each other over De Richleau's friend Simon (Mower). Some of the effects are a little dated now, but director Terence Fisher builds suspense through a stately pace. Production values are highlighted by the usual excellent sets and a fleet of vintage cars. Lee's performance is one of his strongest in a conventionally heroic role. 95m/C DVD . GB Christopher Lee, Charles Gray, Nike Arrighi, Leon Greene, Patrick Mower, Gwen Ffrangcon Davies, Sarah Lawson, Paul Eddington; D: Terence Fisher; W: Richard Matheson; C: Arthur Grant; M: James Bernard.