The Devil Rides Out Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A fancy occult expert and his burly pal interrupt a devil-worshipping party, kidnap some folks, and then play a high-stakes game of supernatural hide-and-seek until the power of time travel rights every wrong… because, magic!

🍿 The Devil Rides Out: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Friend in Trouble

The Duc de Richleau and his friend Rex Van Ryn are concerned about their friend Simon Aron, who has become involved with a mysterious group. They decide to investigate, finding Simon hosting a gathering of individuals seemingly interested in astronomy. However, Richleau, versed in the occult, senses something sinister is afoot.

Unmasking the Cult

Richleau discovers that Simon’s new acquaintances are part of a Satanic cult led by the charismatic Mocata. He realizes that Simon and a young woman named Tanith Carlisle are in danger of being initiated into the cult and losing their souls. Determined to save them, Richleau and Rex take drastic action.

Battling Dark Forces

Richleau and Rex attempt to protect Simon and Tanith from Mocata’s influence. Mocata, however, unleashes his dark powers, summoning terrifying entities and manipulating events to reclaim his intended disciples. The friends find themselves in a desperate battle against supernatural forces.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Duc de Richleau (Christopher Lee): A knowledgeable occult expert and nobleman who battles a satanic cult to save his friends.
• Mocata (Charles Gray): The charismatic and powerful leader of a satanic cult, determined to claim new followers.
• Simon Aron (Patrick Mower): A young man who falls under the influence of a satanic cult and is targeted for baptism.
• Rex Van Ryn (Leon Greene): A loyal friend of the Duc who aids in the fight against the satanic cult.
• Tanith Carlisle (Nike Arrighi): A young woman targeted by the satanic cult for baptism, and who becomes Rex’s love interest.
• Marie Eaton (Sarah Lawson): The Duc’s niece, who initially doubts the existence of the occult but eventually assists in the fight against evil.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mocata: “I shall not be back… but something will. Tonight! Something will come for Simon and the girl!” – Mocata delivers this ominous threat to Marie, foreshadowing the terrifying events to come.
• Duc de Richleau: “We need light!” – The Duc shouts this just before driving into the Sabbat ceremony to disrupt it
• Duc de Richleau: “Galatim, Galatah, Galatos!” – The incantation to repel the Angel of Death from the protective circle.
• Duc de Richleau: “The age old law demands a life for a life, a soul for a soul.” – The Duc explains this as the Angel of Death must take someone, foreshadowing Mocata’s fate.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: None

💥 The Devil Rides Out Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely captivated by this movie! Christopher Lee, usually the villain, plays a knowledgeable hero. The sets are fantastic, and the atmosphere is genuinely creepy. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I especially loved the scene with the protective circle and the Angel of Death; it was a moment that truly made the film an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic horror films”
  • “Those interested in occult themes”
  • “Christopher Lee enthusiasts”
  • “Hammer Horror aficionados”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Occult themes and imagery”
  • “Supernatural violence”
  • “Brief moments of peril for a child”
  • “Some scenes may be intense for younger viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Nerdly: “A thrilling adaptation of a Dennis Wheatley novel. This film has a wonderful score throughout, some superior set pieces and some pretty novel special effects for its day. But behind all of this is the central, universal battle between the forces of good and evil, represented by the characters of Christopher Lee and Charles Gray.
• JoBlo.com: “Easily one of the most entertaining of Terence Fisher’s Hammer movies. While best known for his Dracula and Frankenstein movies, this fascinating blend of adventure thriller and Satanic shocker is not to be overlooked. Lee is brilliant throughout, as is his nemesis the evil magician Mocata played by Charles Gray.
• N/A: “A fantastic Hammer Horror film, a full-blooded Gothic masterpiece recalls favourably the similar black magic shenanigans of the black and white classic NIGHT OF THE DEMON. the producers had a budget to really do justice to the material, and the last time when the production values were high enough to ensure that every element in the film was hugely successful.

Audience Reactions

Christopher Lee’s portrayal of Duc de Richleau as the good guy was surprisingly charismatic and enjoyable.: Viewers consistently praise the engaging storyline and the effective building of suspense.

Overall Consensus: A well-regarded Hammer horror classic with a captivating storyline, strong performances, and memorable moments, although some special effects may appear dated to modern audiences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Christopher Lee personally championed the adaptation of Dennis Wheatley’s novel and considered this his favorite Hammer film due to the rare opportunity to play a heroic character.”
• “Richard Matheson, the screenwriter, streamlined Dennis Wheatley’s potent source material into a fast-paced hour and a half movie.”
• “The budget limitations affected some special effects, but the film’s attention to detail and focus on atmosphere over cheap scares contributed to its lasting impact.”
• “The Goat of Mendes was played by Eddie Powell, Christopher Lee’s stunt double in Hammer’s 1958 adaptation of Dracula.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Devil Rides Out?

Currently, ‘The Devil Rides Out’ is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Keep an eye on streaming services like Shudder, Tubi, and Criterion Channel, as horror classics often rotate through their catalogs. Check your local listings for possible broadcast options as well. Unfortunately, this film isn’t currently available for streaming as part of a subscription on any major services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Devil Rides Out, you might like these similar films:

• Night of the Demon (1957): Features a similar battle against a powerful occultist, with a focus on atmosphere and suspense.
• The Wicker Man (1973): Explores themes of paganism and sacrifice within a remote community, creating a sense of unease and dread.
• Race with the Devil (1975): A suspenseful thriller about a group of friends who stumble upon a satanic cult in rural Texas, leading to a desperate fight for survival.
• Rosemary’s Baby (1968): Deals with themes of devil worship and the birth of evil, creating a sense of paranoia and dread.

🛒 The Devil Rides Out Related Products

• Hammer Horror: The Warner Bros Years [Blu-ray]: A collection of Hammer Horror films from the Warner Bros. years on Blu-ray. Features high-quality video and audio for a superior viewing experience.
• Dennis Wheatley’s The Devil Rides Out (Arrow Horror): The complete novel by Dennis Wheatley, the source material for the film. Experience the full story in its original form.
• Hammer Films – An Exhaustive Filmography: By Tom Johnson and Deborah Del Vecchio this book examines the history of Hammer Films, from its origins to its demise. Includes plot synopses and rare photographs.
• Christopher Lee: The Complete Film Works: A biography exploring the life and career of Christopher Lee, including his role in ‘The Devil Rides Out’. Packed with insights and rare images.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Devil Rides Out features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by James Bernard
• “The Circle” – performed by James Bernard
• “Mocata’s Power” – performed by James Bernard

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Terrifying Horror Movies About Cults

Ever wonder where ‘The Devil Rides Out’ ranks among the scariest cult movies ever made? This Looper video breaks down some truly terrifying films, and I was surprised by some of the picks!

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