Eye of the Devil (13) (1967)

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A fine cast distinguishes this unusual supernatural thriller. When London-based vintner Phillippe de Montfaucon (David Niven) receives the bad news that dry weather is expected to destroy crops in his vineyard in France for the third year in a row, he immediately leaves for his castle on the… More A fine cast distinguishes this unusual supernatural thriller. When London-based vintner Phillippe de Montfaucon (David Niven) receives the bad news that dry weather is expected to destroy crops in his vineyard in France for the third year in a row, he immediately leaves for his castle on the continent, Bellenac, instructing his wife Catherine (Deborah Kerr) to stay behind with their children. However, Catherine's curiosity gets the better of her and she arrives at Bellenac to discover that the villagers who tend the grapes and watch the castle are members of a pagan cult, and that they believe the death of Marquis may be required for the future health of the crops. While pre-release editing left its narrative a bit fragmented, Eye of the Devil is certainly notable for its cast, which includes Donald Pleasance, Edward Mulhare, David Hemmings, and Sharon Tate. Kim Novak was originally cast as Catherine, but was forced to bow out midway through shooting due to an injury. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: J. Lee Thompson
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Horror

In Theaters: Jul 1, 1966 Wide

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Featured Audience Ratings

Emily B

An overlooked and little known British horror/thriller. The excellent cast is the main thing going for it, including Deborah Kerr, David Niven, David Hemmings and Sharon Tate, who as well as looking great manages to put in a great performance. The story focuses on a French land… More
An overlooked and little known British horror/thriller. The excellent cast is the main thing going for it, including Deborah Kerr, David Niven, David Hemmings and Sharon Tate, who as well as looking great manages to put in a great performance. The story focuses on a French land owner (Niven) who is summoned back to his vineyard due to the crops failing for a thrid year in a row. As much as he tries to prevent his wife and children from following him, they do. It isn't long before his wife (Kerr) starts to notice strange and mysterious things, mostly involving the strange siblings who inhabit the castle, Christian and Odile (Hemmings and Tate). It soon becomes clear that for centuries the family has been involved in Pagan rituals and the time has come for Niven to sacrifice himself. When watching you can't help but be reminded of other superior British horror films, such as Deborah Kerr protecting the children in The Innocents and the pagan rituals of The Wicker Man. Whilst Eye Of The Devil has good things going for it such as atmospheric cineamatography it no doubt has it's flaws. Still with a cast like this you would be silly to pass it by.