The Devil Rides Out (1968)

Directed by Terence Fisher; produced by Anthony Nelson Keys

Two friends, the Duc de Richleau and Rex van Ryn (Christopher Lee, Leon Greene), meet after an absence and discover that a third acquaintance, Simon Aron (Patrick Mower), has become involved in a satanic cult. Though Ryn is sceptical, Richleau is aghast, knowing that the power of the devil-worshippers is not just superstition. They embark upon a two-days’ adventure of danger and death, in which the souls of all concerned are at stake.

Based on the Dennis Wheatley novel of the same name, and scripted by Richard Matheson, The Devil Rides Out benefits first of all from an excellent script. There is no tongue in the cheek here (which would have been fatal) and the characters behave realistically within the context of the story. They are well-written, and, while Greene’s part may be seen as a dull but dependable sidekick whose main purpose is to have things explained to him, he also provides a more sobre angle, keeping the story grounded.

The movie is not frightening; it should not be seen as a horror film. Indeed, the original novel (one of a series involving the same characters) was intended as a thriller; so is the movie. In this, it succeeds. The action is fast, alleviated by moments of expostulation, and at times quite suspenseful. The climax, in which the forces of righteousness must defend themselves within a protective circle, is tense.

The acting is commendable, and it was refreshing to see Lee playing a good guy. He has played a few in his time but his Richleau is probably the most sympathetic: definitely someone you want on your side. It can hardly be claimed that his career would have been bettered by more such roles, but they would have been fun to see. Charles Grey is as excellent playing the villain. His smug confidence and slimy evil makes the viewer want to chuck him down a flight of stairs - which is an indication of his skill. The supporting performers, except for Greene, have less to do, or less range in which to do it, but all enhance the film. Paul Eddington, soon to become a much-loved staple of situation-comedies, has a dramatic role here.

A straightforward tale of good versus evil, with some doubt as to who will survive and how it will all end, The Devil Rides Out is an entertaining movie, the sort that would have been ruined in the twenty-first century by excessive gore or sex. As it is, it is a minor classic of its kind.