Curse of the Demon, also known as Night of the Demon, is a 1957 British horror film directed by Jacques Tourneur. It is based on the story "Casting the Runes" by M.R. James and stars Dana Andrews and Peggy Cummins. The film follows an American psychologist, Dr. John Holden, who travels to England to attend a conference on parapsychology.
Curse of the Demon (1957, US) (aka Night of the Demon, UK)
Holden learned from the hypnotized Rand Hobart that the parchment had been passed to him by Karswell because he had been chosen to die, but Holden could avoid the curse and death by passing it back to Karswell; Hobart misinterpreted and thought that Holden was passing the parchment onto him - causing him to become hysterical and jump to his death; Holden began to realize that the curse was real. During a hypnosis session with Rand Hobart, Holden is offered a glimmer of hope when he learns of a way to reverse the curse, but time is running out.
John Holden, who travels to England to attend a conference on parapsychology. However, he becomes embroiled in a case involving black magic and a curse. The main plot of the film revolves around the enigmatic Dr.
The Movie Screen Scene
Julian Karswell, a sinister occultist who is believed to have the power to summon demons. Dr. Holden becomes suspicious of Karswell and begins investigating him, convinced that he is responsible for a series of strange events. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that there is indeed a curse at play, and Dr. Holden finds himself in a race against time to break the curse and save his own life. One of the most notable aspects of Curse of the Demon is its atmospheric and suspenseful storytelling. Director Jacques Tourneur masterfully builds tension throughout the film, using shadowy cinematography and eerie sound effects to create a sense of dread. The demon itself is not shown until the climax of the film, allowing the audience's imagination to run wild and heighten the horror. The performances in Curse of the Demon are also noteworthy. Dana Andrews portrays Dr. Holden as a skeptical and rational man who is slowly drawn into a world of supernatural danger. Peggy Cummins shines as Joanna Harrington, a sympathetic and resourceful female lead who assists Dr. Holden in his investigation. The chemistry between Andrews and Cummins adds depth to their characters and enhances the overall tension of the film. Curse of the Demon stands out as a classic horror film, known for its chilling atmosphere, clever storytelling, and memorable performances. It has become a cult favorite among fans of the genre and continues to be celebrated for its timeless scares. Whether you believe in curses and demons or not, this film is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat..
Reviews for "The Making of The Curse of the Demon: An Inside Look"
1. John - 2 out of 5 stars - I found "Curse of the Demon" to be a disappointing and predictable film. The storyline lacked originality and failed to create any real sense of suspense or horror. The acting was subpar, with wooden performances that made it difficult to connect with the characters. The special effects were also quite dated and did nothing to enhance the overall quality of the film. Overall, "Curse of the Demon" felt like a forgettable and uninspired addition to the horror genre.
2. Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars - I was highly unimpressed with "Curse of the Demon". The plot was convoluted and confusing, making it difficult to follow and stay engaged. The pacing was slow, with long stretches of monotony that failed to build any tension or excitement. The special effects were laughable, even considering the time period in which the film was made. I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with this supposed horror classic.
3. Michael - 2 out of 5 stars - While "Curse of the Demon" has its moments, overall, it fell short of my expectations. The story had potential, but it was hindered by a lackluster script and unconvincing performances. The film relied too heavily on cheap jump scares and predictable plot twists, resulting in a lack of genuine horror or suspense. The pacing was uneven, with lengthy exposition scenes that failed to hold my interest. Overall, "Curse of the Demon" failed to leave a lasting impression and was a disappointment in the genre of horror films.