One of history's finest examples of man's inhumanity to man in the name of religion, and a subject perfect for cinematic exploitation, witch-hunts in Central Europe resulted in the trial, torture, and execution of thousands of victims.
'Mark of the Devil' is a sensational account of the atrocities inflicted upon innocent men and women, branded as witches by the witch-finders, often as an excuse to satisfy their own needs and those of the church. Director Michael Armstrong spares no gruesome detail in this salacious tale of sadism, sex and death set in 18th century Austria.
Udo Kier plays Christian, an apprentice to Herbert Lom's Count Cumberland, top dog amongst witch-hunters. Christian believes that his boss is above reproach, and faithfully carries out his orders without question.
When he is sent to a small town to prepare for the arrival of his boss, Christian meets buxom barmaid Vanessa and falls for her ample charms. The local witch-finder, Albino (played by creepy Reggie Nalder), is also attracted to the pillow chested wench, but when his unwelcome advances are spurned, he accuses Vanessa of being a witch.
On the arrival of Count Cumberland, Christian does his best to get Vanessa freed, but to no avail; it seems that the Count doesn't wish to have his protégé distracted from his work by comely babes with magnificent heaving bosoms.
The nasty Count also has his hands full trying to separate a young nobleman, Baron Daume, from his wealth, claiming that he is possessed by the devil. Of course if the Baron gives all his worldly goods to the church, then he can go free; otherwise he gets the chop! Christian thinks this is all a little unfair, but keeps quiet; however, when he sees Count Cumberland killing Albino after an argument, and witnesses the incarceration of an entire family after trumped up charges are made against them, he decides that enough is enough. He releases Vanessa who rallies the townsfolk against Cumberland. An angry mob attacks the witch-finder and his men, seeking bloody retribution.
What makes 'Mark of the Devil' such a raw visceral experience is the no-holds barred approach to its torture and execution scenes. When you know that the gruesome acts you are witnessing were based on actual torture methods used on 'witches', their impact is heightened. Although not overly gory, the sheer nastiness of what is happening on screen is enough to shock.
Not quite deserving of the self-proclaimed title 'the most horrifying film ever made', Armstrong's movie is nevertheless a fairly harrowing experience and a must see for fans of exploitation cinema.
'Mark of the Devil' is a sensational account of the atrocities inflicted upon innocent men and women, branded as witches by the witch-finders, often as an excuse to satisfy their own needs and those of the church. Director Michael Armstrong spares no gruesome detail in this salacious tale of sadism, sex and death set in 18th century Austria.
Udo Kier plays Christian, an apprentice to Herbert Lom's Count Cumberland, top dog amongst witch-hunters. Christian believes that his boss is above reproach, and faithfully carries out his orders without question.
When he is sent to a small town to prepare for the arrival of his boss, Christian meets buxom barmaid Vanessa and falls for her ample charms. The local witch-finder, Albino (played by creepy Reggie Nalder), is also attracted to the pillow chested wench, but when his unwelcome advances are spurned, he accuses Vanessa of being a witch.
On the arrival of Count Cumberland, Christian does his best to get Vanessa freed, but to no avail; it seems that the Count doesn't wish to have his protégé distracted from his work by comely babes with magnificent heaving bosoms.
The nasty Count also has his hands full trying to separate a young nobleman, Baron Daume, from his wealth, claiming that he is possessed by the devil. Of course if the Baron gives all his worldly goods to the church, then he can go free; otherwise he gets the chop! Christian thinks this is all a little unfair, but keeps quiet; however, when he sees Count Cumberland killing Albino after an argument, and witnesses the incarceration of an entire family after trumped up charges are made against them, he decides that enough is enough. He releases Vanessa who rallies the townsfolk against Cumberland. An angry mob attacks the witch-finder and his men, seeking bloody retribution.
What makes 'Mark of the Devil' such a raw visceral experience is the no-holds barred approach to its torture and execution scenes. When you know that the gruesome acts you are witnessing were based on actual torture methods used on 'witches', their impact is heightened. Although not overly gory, the sheer nastiness of what is happening on screen is enough to shock.
Not quite deserving of the self-proclaimed title 'the most horrifying film ever made', Armstrong's movie is nevertheless a fairly harrowing experience and a must see for fans of exploitation cinema.