Blood on Satan's Claw (1971)

Director:

Piers Haggard

Writers:

Robert Wynne-Simmons (written by)
Piers Haggard (additional material)

Release Date:

January 1971 (UK)

Genre:

Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

A CHILL-FILLED Festival of HORROR!

Plot:

Horror thriller set in 17th century England about the children of a village slowly converting into a coven of devil worshipers. |

Plot Keywords:

17th Century | England | Devil | False Accusation | Shed

Cast

Patrick Wymark	...	The Judge
Linda Hayden	...	Angel Blake
Barry Andrews	...	Ralph Gower
Michele Dotrice	...	Margaret
James Hayter	...	Squire Middleton (also as James Hoyter)
Anthony Ainley	...	Reverend Fallowfield
Howard Goorney	...	The Doctor
Avice Landone	...	Isobel Banham (as Avice Landon)
Charlotte Mitchell	...	Ellen Vespers
Wendy Padbury	...	Cathy Vespers
Tamara Ustinov	...	Rosalind Barton
Simon Williams	...	Peter Edmonton
Robin Davies	...	Mark Vespers

Also Known As:

Satan's Skin (UK) (working title)
The Devil's Skin (UK) (original script title)
The Devil's Touch (UK) (working title)

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Germany:16 | UK:18 | UK:X (original rating) | Australia:R | Finland:K-16 | Norway:16 (1972) | Sweden:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Bix Bottom Valley, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England, UK

Company:

Tigon British Film Productions

Trivia:

The film was originally released in the US on double feature with the film The Beast in the Cellar (1970).

Goofs:

Factual errors: There are two spelling errors in the opening titles: the production company is called Tigron instead of Tigon (in the copyright notice beneath the main title), and screen veteran James Hayter is billed as James Hoyter.

Quotes:

The Judge: Doctor, I am leaving soon. As a favor, might I request the loan of this book? It might merit further study.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "TCM Underground: Blood on Satan's Claw/The Brotherhood of Satan (#1.36)" (2008)

Witchcraft and diabolic possession proceeded with astonishing terror images

This eerie film is set circa 1640, when is earthed by a farmer(Barry Andrews) a weird human remains located in an British small village. Later a farming community is haunted by the demon himself. Children and adolescents being possessed by hairy demon and becoming them into a coven of witches practicing exorcisms and witchery. The teens led by a nasty young girl(Linda Hayden)are worshipping the devil,raping,and sacrificing other young people. Meantime a judge(Patrick Wymark)investigates the rare events.

The film packs gruesome images, grisly killings, thriller and intense horror sequences. Magnificent detail period is perfectly set in 17th century. Somewhat nudism at times in charge of Lynda Hayden and pagans ceremonies. Enjoyable casting by Patrick Wymark (a role ¨Witchfinder general¨-alike), a gorgeous and erotic Linda Hayden(Taste of Dracula blood), Barry Andrews(Dracula has risen from grave), Michele Dotrice(married Edward Woodward) and Tamara Ustinov(daughter of Peter Ustinov and niece of Angela Lansbury). It's produced by Tigon, usual in terror movies and richly atmospheric in Pinewood studios. The movie displays a weird and creepy score musical by Marc Williamson.Evocative and imaginative cinematography by Dick Bush,usual Hammer films(Twins of evil,Dracula 72,When dinosaurs ruled earth). The motion picture is well directed by Piers Haggard(Venom,Quatermass conclusion). The flick no for the faint-hearted, however to be liked for horror fans.