Anoraks Assemble

The Devil Rides Out is a 1968 British horror film starring Christopher Lee. It is written by Richard Matheson, based on the novel by Dennis Wheatley, and directed by Terence Fisher.

Christopher Lee – in a rare ‘good guy’ role – plays Nicholas, the Duke de Richleau – who, along with his friend Rex, tries to rescue young Simon, the son of a late friend of his, who is somehow mixed up with black magic. Cue secret societies, devil worshipping, goat sacrifice, and an appearance from The Angel of Death.

But this is all in a day’s work for Lee’s dashing Duke. We are used to seeing him with fangs and a swishy cloak, but here he is so good as the heroic Nicholas, ably supported by Leon Green’s Rex (who had his voice dubbed by the unmistakable Patrick Allen. Why? Who knows).

Patrick Mower is also very good as the young wide-eyed, slightly naive Simon, whilst Charles Gray is frightening as the evil Mocata. The close-ups of his piercing blue eyes sent a chill down my spine.

It is interesting that The Devil Rides Out is much more serious than the usual Hammer fare of this period. There is very little violence or blood, and it does not have the usual slightly camp feel which Hammer films often had.

That is not to say there aren’t moments which are quite shocking. Mocata’s night of black magic is very well done, with the Duke and his friends seeking sanctuary inside a pentagram on the floor, and experiencing everything from mysterious voices and strange winds to giant spiders.

The film has a clear theme of good overcoming evil. It is not subtle but it is still very well done.

I am not familiar with Dennis Wheatley’s original novel so I do not know how the film compares, but The Devil Rides Out is a huge amount of fun and well worth 90 minutes or so of anyone’s time.