The 1950s was a popular time for Science Fiction Horror, but it’s the Supernatural films that have made a more lasting impact. This is top of the pile, brough down somewhat by some images of the Demon that exist on some versions. It’s fake enough that it should bury the film, but it doesn’t because the film is that good, built off a fast-paced mystery with a ticking clock, sinister scenes and moments of suspense. There’s the somewhat pompous hero (Dana Andrews) up against an intelligent and diabolical villain, with the English setting being a den strangers to create high amounts of paranoia. The visual atmosphere are beautiful but ominous, and Andrews learns if he’s to survive he needs to let go of logic and embrace magic. So much happens in a rather brief runtime that this is also highly rewatchable.
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