The Blood on Satan's Claw (1971)

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

Director:

Piers Haggard

Writers:

Robert Wynne-Simmons (original screenplay), Piers Haggard (with additional material by)

Stars:

Patrick Wymark, Linda Hayden, Barry Andrews

Cast

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

Storyline

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 | costume horror | folk horror | 

---

Taglines:

A living nightmare of black magic... and unspeakable evil!

---

Genres:

Horror

---

Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 June 1972 (West Germany)

Also Known As:

Aima sta nyhia tou Satana

Filming Locations:

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

Box Office

Budget:

£82,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Tigon British Film Productions, Chilton Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor) (uncredited)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to director Piers Haggard the scene of the coven's attack and rape of Cathy Vespers was completely unplanned and created mainly during the shooting. Haggard said even the coven's chant was written right on the spot.

---

Goofs

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: Leave me to judge who is innocent.

---

Connections

Referenced in Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship & Videotape (2010)

User Reviews

Better than Witchfinder General!

Quite simply, 'Blood On Satan's Claw' is the finest horror film produced in Britain in the Seventies. Haunting, horrific and hopelessly compelling it deserves far greater recognition than it currently warrants. Linda Hayden, the most talented actress working in British exploitation films at the time, delivers her finest performance in the film, and it is one light years ahead of the standard in the genre. Patrick Wymark, in his last film role, is also excellent, and music, direction and art direction are all of an exceptionally high standard. Interestingly, the film was shot as 'The Devil's Touch', and originally released late in 1970 as 'Satan's Skin'. For some reason business wasn't too good and it was rereleased the following year on a more succesful double bill with 'The Beast In The Cellar'. Don't miss it!