Alucarda (1977)

After the death of her parents, a young girl arrives at a convent and brings a sinister presence with her. Is it her enigmatic imaginary friend, Alucarda, who is to blame? Or is there a satanic force at work?

Director:

Juan López Moctezuma (as Juan L. Moctezuma)

Writers:

Sheridan Le Fanu (novel), Alexis Arroyo (story)

Stars:

Claudio Brook, David Silva, Tina Romero

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Claudio Brook	...	Dr. Oszek / Hunchbacked Gypsy
David Silva	...	Father Lázaro
Tina Romero	...	Alucarda / Alucarda's Mother
Susana Kamini	...	Justine
Lili Garza	...	Daniela Oszek (as Lily Garza)
Tina French	...	Sister Angélica
Birgitta Segerskog	...	Mother Superior
Adriana Roel	...	Sister Germana
Antonia Guerrero
Martin LaSalle	...	Brother Felipe (as Martín Lasalle)
Manuel Dondé	...	Wagon Driver
Adriana Riveroll
Susan Inman
Alejandra Moya
Agustín Isunza	...	Monk

Storyline

When the teenage orphan Justine arrives in a convent, she befriends Alucarda, who was raised since she was a baby by the nuns. They become best friends and stay together most of the time. When they meet a gypsy on the forest, he is indeed Satan and possesses the teenagers. Soon the convent is turned upside-down affecting the lives of Alucarda, Justine, the nuns and Father Lázaro. The skeptic Dr. Oszek will also witness a showdown between good and evil affecting his beliefs.

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Plot Keywords:

convent | hysteria | evil nun | screaming | erotica | 

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Taglines:

They gave their souls to Hell... but the Devil wanted MORE! [Canada]

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Genres:

Horror | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

Mexico

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 January 1978 (Mexico)

Also Known As:

Mark of the Devil Part 3: Innocence from Hell

Filming Locations:

Estudios América, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico

Company Credits

Production Co:

Films 75, Yuma Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

78 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Alucarda, when spelled backward, means 'adracula'.

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Quotes

Alucarda: And this is what the devil does.
Alucarda: He grants us vertues to expand his kingdom, the only valid one.
Justine: God with his lack of knowledge, does not understand this truth.
Justine: And apose of it with false toughts and prayers.
Mother Superior: [Mother Superior screams] God, silence.
Alucarda: [Alucarda and Justine both chant] Satan satan satan, our lord and master.
Alucarda: I acknowledge thee as my god and prince.
Alucarda: I promise to serve and obey thee as long as i shall live.
Alucarda: I renounce the other god and all the saints.
Mother Superior: Don't listen to them, don't listen...
[...]

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Connections

References Bloodsucking Freaks (1976)

User Reviews

They Don't Make 'Em Like this Anymore

This deliciously sacrilegious and surreal bit of insanity from 1978 is pure exploitative gold. They just don't make them like this anymore!

The sets are imaginative and quite impressive. The convent has the appearance of a cave and the multiple tiered Christs hanging from the ceiling is one of the most brilliant props I have ever seen! Instead of traditional habits, the nuns are clothed in what appears to be torn bloodied bandages. Tina Romero, who plays Alucarda gives a brooding and wonderfully wicked performance. When the action starts, it keeps a spirited pace right through to the end. There is more hysterical female screaming then I've ever witnessed in a single film! The dialog is over dramatic at times and there are a few moments that are bordering on cheesy but Moctezuma's strange, daunting and moody presentation keeps it from slipping into silliness. There is some great bonus material on the DVD, including a brief doc on the films director, Juan López Moctezuma and an interview with Guillermo Del Toro. You will be treated to bizarre images, flagellating nuns, satanic rituals, copious nudity, lesbianism, and bloody violence. It is all complimented nicely by some trippy organ music. This little gem from Mexico City is a must see for horror fans! Highly recommended!