Reviews
Wuchak

Wuchak

April 10, 2023
4.0
**_Shocking bits and nudity can't make up for a flat story with a tepid close_** In London, an occult novelist (Richard Widmark) is asked to protect a man's daughter, a young nun (Nastassja Kinski), from a cult of satanists led by a towering man who seems to possess supernatural powers (Christopher Lee). They require her for some diabolical ritual. Honor Blackman has a peripheral role. The story of "To the Devil a Daughter" (1976) is loosely based on Dennis Wheatley's 1953 novel. It was Hammer's answer to American horror hits like "The Exorcist" (1973) and "Rosemary's Baby" (1968), but Wheatley was furious with the numerous changes and called the film "obscene." It's a slow-burn occult-oriented mystery with good locations and a notable cast. Producers seemed to have more money to work with in this regard than most Hammer films. Speaking of Hammer, "To the Devil a Daughter" doesn't FEEL like a Hammer picture from the '60s and early '70s, which is a nice (and unsuspected) change, I guess. For those who care, Kinski is shown completely naked from the front near the end, which was/is controversial since she was still 14 years-old during shooting, almost 15. Unfortunately Lee is also show in the nude, albeit from behind. One thing I never cared to see in life was Christopher Lee's butt (actually, it was his stunt double, Eddie Powell). There's a fairly shocking and obscene "devil baby" sequence. The creators obviously wanted to take "Rosemary's Baby" to the next level. In any case, they did a good job with the infant F/X, at least for the mid-70s. While the mystery is sometimes interesting the story is flat and the last act somehow doesn't work. Yes, they throw in some bizarre things — the aforementioned "devil baby" scene and a wild satanist orgy (which is more silly than shocking) — but I was left feeling disappointed. This was Hammer's penultimate film and their final horror production. Surprisingly, "To the Devil a Daughter" was a hit and made lots of money, at least in Europe, but Hammer Studios had debts to pay and the movie's success couldn't save 'em. At the end of the day, it's okay at best, but not as good as flicks like "Bay Coven" (1987), "The Crimson Cult" (1968), "The Devil Rides Out" (1968) and "Race With the Devil" (1975). The DVD includes an informative and entertaining 24-minute "making-of" documentary that discusses the film and the demise of Hammer Studios called "To the Devil... The Death of Hammer." It features interviews with Lee, Blackman, the director, the producer and many more. By all accounts Widmark was arrogant and a real bastage to work with. The Hollywood "star" frequently insulted the English filmmakers (calling the picture a "Micky Mouse production"), walking off the set, arguing, brawling and kicking over expensive equipment (!). Every aspect of the movie is addressed, including changes from the novel, Wheatley's objections, the ending's failure, etc. Needless to say, the documentary is way more compelling than the film itself and is available on Youtube for those interested. The film runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot mostly in the greater London area of England, including Elstree Studios, with a bit in Bavaria, Germany. GRADE: C-

Recommendation Movies

6.1
Comedy
View
6.1
Head
Head1968
6.5
Horror
View
6.5
The Devil Rides Out
The Devil Rides Out1968
6.6
Drama
View
6.6
Blackmail
Blackmail1929
6.3
Adventure
View
6.3
Tarzan and the Amazons
Tarzan and the Amazons1945
6.2
Drama
View
6.2
When Night Is Falling
When Night Is Falling1995
7.1
Action
View
7.1
Dragon's Heaven
Dragon's Heaven1988
6.4
Mystery
View
6.4
The Forbidden Photos of a Lady Above Suspicion
The Forbidden Photos of a Lady Above Suspicion1970
5.6
Action
View
5.6
Caravans
Caravans1978
7
Comedy
View
7
Fright Night
Fright Night1985
7.2
Horror
View
7.2
In the Mouth of Madness
In the Mouth of Madness1995
5.8
Drama
View
5.8
Deep Water
Deep Water2022
7.5
Action
View
7.5
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga2024
8.1
Drama
View
8.1
Oppenheimer
Oppenheimer2023
8.4
Action
View
8.4
Inception
Inception2010
7.5
Drama
View
7.5
A Perfect World
A Perfect World1993
8
Drama
View
8
All About Eve
All About Eve1950
6.8
Science Fiction
View
6.8
King Kong vs. Godzilla
King Kong vs. Godzilla1962
6.2
Drama
View
6.2
Yolo
Yolo2024
8.1
Drama
View
8.1
The Hunt
The Hunt2012
8.1
Crime
View
8.1
Joker
Joker2019
© 2024 MoovieTime. All rights reserved.Made with Nuxt