Night of the Demon (1957)

 

Every few years, the interest in the occult and occasional devilworship returns to the fold and usually a slew of films will follow. Most of those will be tripe, but every once in a while one gets made that can stand the test of time. 'Rosemary's Baby' is a prime example, but don't sell this one by Jacques Tourneur short. Sure, it might have been even better as solely a mystery/detective story, but the supernatural element and feeling of constant dread make this one of those classic horrorfilms that even to this day retain some of their potency.

John Holden (Dana Andrews) is an American scientist heading to the UK for a convention where he and other scientists will expose an apparent demon worshipping cult for the frauds that they are. Holden is a sceptic in the purest sense of the word, even if he wants to study witchcraft and the like, this to better debunk supposed mysteries. However, one of his colleagues is killed just before he arrives. Together with the man's niece Joanna Holden is looking for answers from Julian Karswell, the cult leader.

Karswell is a strange man, erudite yet extremely arrogant and constantly vying for attention yet eschewing too much light on his dealings as a cult leader. He curses Holden and says he will die in three days. This has something to do with a piece of parchment containing runic letters that you have to unwittingly accept. If not passed on, a fiery demon will appear and slay you. But of course, is this an elaborate ruse or is there truly something sinister and ancient at work?

Well, the opening of the film already spoils which it is, so that's a shame. But other than that, this film does hold up remarkably well. Tourneur is a master of suspense and atmosphere and for the most part he leaves the audience guessing whether Karswell is a blowhard or truly knows dark magic. This contrasts well with sceptic Holden, who will either learn to accept there are things he cannot explain or perish in the process. Sure, some of the acting is typically 50's wooden, but the pacing is brisk and the camerawork pretty nifty at times. 

Oh, and the titular demon is one of those creatures that doesn't get a lot of screentime but is so insanely recognisable as to survive in horror history. This coupled with a pretty gruesome and brutal death (for the time) at both the start and finish and an unexpected suicide make this film rather hardcore (again: for the time). This might help explain why it still holds up, as it does feel fairly modern. 

This might not be the best known of classic horror, but it is definitely worth your time if you want something different for a change.