This film, which I first saw in the 70s, has a remarkable ability to hold a horror fan's attention despite, or perhaps because of, its sadomasochistic content. It is an exploitation piece that is shockingly graphic for it's time and which borders on being torture porn. It appeals to the puerile freak-show lover that hides in the shadows of many a horror fan's mind. Taken for what it is - and for its target audience - it does what it does remarkably well, despite a decidedly wooden performances by Herbert Lom and Udi Kier, both of whom rely more on their striking appearances than their acting talent. This is true of most of the cast, in fact, from the leering clerk to the caricature scar-faced red ruffian, to the various bombshells accused of witchcraft. They make up in appearance and screen presence for what they lack in acting. But at the end of the day, this film belongs in the criterion collection of the serious classic horror movie buff.
Review of Mark of the Devil
