Deborah Kerr David Niven Donald Pleasence Edward Mulhare Flora Robson Emlyn Williams Sharon Tate David Hemmings John Le Mesurier Michael Miller Director: Screenplay: Based on the
novel "Day of the Arrow" by: Producers: Excellent cast in odd, low-key thriller set in France. ---LEONARD MALTIN'S MOVIE & VIDEO GUIDE VIDEO SEARCH OF MIAMI: Membership only video service offers reproduction copies of the film in NTSC, PAL, and SECAM formats. DAVID NIVEN: A TRIBUTE: Tribute web site for the distinguished British actor with a biography, filmography, photos, and more. EDWARD MULHARE OBITUARY: Obituary for the late character actor. Originally published in the May 25, 1997 edition of The Los Angeles Times. INTERNET MOVIE DATABASE: Cast and crew information is available at this popular film database. J. LEE THOMPSON INTERVIEW: Guido Henkel's interview with the long-time Hollywood director. THE ORIGINAL SHARON TATE WEB SITE: Joe's loving tribute to the late screen beauty, who was tragically taken from the world too soon. |
THE HAUNTED WORLD OF MARIO BAVA Historically speaking this film serves as an invaluable precursor to Anthony Shaffer's ingenious The Wicker Man, starring Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee. Taken on its own, however, Eye of the Devil is an effective but wildly uneven film. The story deals with a wealthy French nobleman (David Niven) who is called back to his ancestral castle when the crops fail. Due to his erratic behavior regarding this summons, wife Deborah Kerr becomes increasingly worried about Niven's safety. Against his orders, Kerr takes her children to his ancestral castle, where she witnesses many strange and eerie religious rites. The question then becomes, will Kerr be able to rescue Niven from a ritual sacrifice, and -- indeed -- does he wish to be saved? Owing to its erratic production history, it's not surprising that Eye of the Devil is a bit rough around the edges. The story is obtuse, and the characters under-developed, but director J. Lee Thompson employs an intriguingly arty approach that keeps one alert throughout. Thompson makes excellent use of Ernest Haller's mobile camerawork, most notably in a memorable race-against-the-clock climax. Additionally, the score is excellent, and the cast is well above average for this sort of thing. In the lead roles, Kerr and Niven are effective and restrained, but it is the supporting cast that really impresses: Donald Pleasence, his head shave completely bald, as a sinister cleric; David Hemmings as a seemingly evil youth; and especially Sharon Tate as Hemmings' enchantingly sensual/wicked sister. In the end, Eye of the Devil cannot be considered a great film. It is, however, an above average diabolical thriller, and as such can be recommended to horror fans. Review © 2001 Troy
Howarth. All Rights Reserved.
[Photo courtesy of Tim Murphy] [Photo courtesy of Tim Murphy and Kent Burton] [Photo courtesy of Tim Murphy] [Photo courtesy of Tim Murphy]
Photos © 1967 METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER / FILMWAYS PICTURES. All Rights Reserved. [ FILMS | HOME ] |