The greatest movie ever!

Stylish but barely mediocre overall

Highly Overrated But Still Good

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

As British horror films entered their twilight years, there were some underrated gems released with little fanfare. This is one.Peter Edmonton (Simon Williams) brings home his intended bride Rosalind (Tamara Ustinov). Sadly for her, aggressive snobbery is prevalent in this 'folk horror' – as she is just a serving wench, she is condemned to spend the night in the dreaded attic, wherein she is disturbed by something that sends her hurtling into insanity. As she's bundled off to the bedlam by the local judge (an excellent Patrick Wymark in one of his last films), Edmonton too succumbs to the curse of the attic and chops off his hand believing it to be the appendage of a devil. At around the same time, wholesome Ralph Gower (Barry Andrews on top form) discovers a malformed skull that subsequently disappears when the authorities are alerted. This was originally conceived as an anthology of three stories, which may explain the staggered nature of the narrative – characters come to the fore and then disappear into the background again, creating a choppy flow to the proceedings. It is possible this contributes to the film's great feeling of unease as events become increasingly nasty and demonic.And nasty they are indeed. Unsightly growths of animal-like hair on the bodies of the victims, the distressing rape and murder of local youngster Cathy (Wendy Padbury), and the briefest glimpse of the ghoulish demon behind it all. All this is conveyed convincingly by a tremendous cast determined to make things as real as can be. Marc Wilkinson's mournful score is suitably organic sounding and atmospheric. And yet it is 17 year-old Linda Hayden who all but steals the show as the possessed Angel. Expertly flicking between innocent vulnerability and genuine sensual wickedness, it is surprising she didn't go on to find greater acclaim as befits her talent. Rather ungallantly, Director Piers Haggard has said he had to use her because she was under contract to Tigon supremo Tony Tenser. She shares top billing, alongside Wymark, and deservedly so.Filmed almost entirely on location in wintry woodlands, complete with a constant soundtrack of rooks and farmyard animals to heighten the lack of modernity. There is an authentic feeling that this cut-off village is a law unto its own pagan superstitions, and as such, is dangerously easy prey to legendary evil such as the demonic Behemoth (wisely kept to the shadows most of the time). With such an enigmatic premise, the climax seems comparatively perfunctory. Still, this is a tremendous film.

Out of Tigon Productions comes Blood On Satan's Claw. Directed by Piers Haggard (who co-writes with Robert Wynne-Simmons) it stars Patrick Wymark, Linda Hayden, Barry Andrews, Michele Dotrice & Wendy Padbury. Story is set in rural 17th century England and sees a village fall under demonic possession after a living one eyed skull is unearthed by the local ploughman.Well it's quite a title the film has got, the sort that conjures up many a blood curdling image. Yet it's some what misleading, but in a good way. There is indeed claws involved, and definitely "Old Nick" is part of the equation, but Haggard's film is more moody and quirky than the title suggests. It has definite links to Tigon's flag bearer, Witchfinder General, though not nearly as clever or as brilliantly cruel as Michael Reeves' film. We are in the company of Wiccan ceremonies and satanically influenced children, throw in some sexually charged dalliances and we are good to go. Hell there's even some smarts in the writing about class distinction and snobbery.However, the first half of the piece is more rewarding than the last half. The atmosphere and eerie thematics give way to standardised jolts and gore, with a finale that just comes off as slow-mo silliness that doesn't befit the earlier build ups in the script. The music (Marc Wilkinson), photography (Dick Bush), costumes (Dulcie Midwinter) and the acting (particularly petticoat terror Hayden) are of a very high standard. It's such a pity that the director loses sight of the tone marker set and fails to see it through to a satisfying conclusion. Still, it's definitely one of the better British horrors from the 70s; with eye catching period detail and a haunting poetic feel for the most part, Blood On Satan's Claw is a safe recommend to those that like a bit of Witchcraft and Satanism in their horror diets. 7/10

**SPOILERS** Atmospheric 17th Century horror movie involving the emergence of the Devil-Satan-in a small out of the way English town. Satan was awaken from his slumber when local plowman Ralph Grover, Barry Andrews, unknowingly dug him, or some part of him, up.Getting himself into action in no time at all Satan started to corrupt the local community by somehow getting 17 year old Angel Blake, Linda Hayden, to do his evil bidding. He had already drove newlyweds Simon Williams, Peter Edmonton, and his soon to be bride Rosalind Barton, Tamara Ustinov, mad just to get himself into shape for the much bigger and better, for himself, things he had planned for the unsuspecting villagers. Angel's job was to get the youth of the village to disrespect their God fearing parents and elders by forming a Witch's Coven where all the evil and detestable things involving Satanism was preformed;Like all day and night sex orgies as well as human and animal sacrifices.It was the wise and incorruptible village pastor Reverand Followfield, Anthony Ainley, who saw through Angel's sweet and innocent act in corrupting his church, made up mostly of teenager, members which had him targeted by her, and her boss Satan, for elimination. The deceitful Angel tried to get Reverand Followfield defrocked if not burned at the stake in accusing him of raping her. The fact is that Angel tried to throw herself, bear a** naked, at the shocked Revernd Followfield who then kicked her out of his congregation! ***SPOILERS*** The films fiery climax has the outraged villagers track down Angel's followers as well as the dismembered Satan who's, since we first saw him, been glued plastered and pasted back together for the final showdown between good and evil in the movie. Disrupting the Satanist's nightly sacrificial orgy that involved the attempted murder as well as corruption, by a naked and very well endowed member of the Witch's Coven, of the God fearing Ralph Grover the mad as hell members of the village finally take action against this unspeakable evil. The villagers lead by the local judge, Patrick Wymark, put an end to this evil in their mist in a slow-mo impalement of the Devil with his followers, including Angel, totally helpless and unable to prevent it from happening!

In 1670 a British plow boy unearths strange skeletal remains while tilling a field. As it turns out it's the bones of Satan and soon the children of the village begin to practice black masses; preparing to make some murderous sacrifices to their possessor.Blood on Satan's Claw is a profoundly eerie little horror film. It possesses such a powerful atmosphere of dread while its intriguing plot builds to some truly chilling imagery and some genuinely shocking scenes. Also there's a sexual undertone to the happenings which adds all the more to the unsettling vibes that surround this dark tale. In addition there's one disturbing rape scene and some grisly murder sequences. The film is finely directed by Piers Haggard with splendid camera work, lush locations in the English countryside, and a believably Gothic setting. The unique music score by Marc Wilkinson is terrifically creepy too. The cast is strong in their performances. Patrick Wymark (in one of his final roles) is good as the Judge who faces down the evil. Linda Hayden is menacing as the young lady who becomes a temptress for the devil. Barry Andrews is likable as the farm hand who unearths the evil and may just become sacrifice for it. The supporting cast is solid as well.Blood on Satan's Claw is simply a must-see for horror fans. It's outstanding film making wrapped around a haunting tale of good verses evil. Not for all tastes, but the serious horror fan will find it an unsettling and captivating gem! One of the best British horror films of the 70's.**** out of ****