Morbidly Beautiful

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Good atmosphere, a modest amount of decent practical effects and gore, and an attractive and talented cast don’t necessarily equal success.

On their way to visit her Uncle, a girl’s parents die in a car crash and she falls into the clutches of a satanic cult hellbent on sacrificing her. Let’s dig into 1976’s “Satan’s Slave”, directed by Norman J. Warren!

As I See It

There is a certain luster to nineteen seventies UK horror. Hammer really trademarked it, but all the other filmmakers either took the cue or shared production crews and were able to turn out films with similar vibes and storylines.

Also known as Evil Heritage, Satan’s Slave was part of a consortium of Satanist and cult films released in the 1970s. A key difference I see with his film is the use of a societal hierarchy; with hoity-toity, bourgeois Brits using their elite status to subject lower-class women to rape and sacrifice for generations. Most of the other Cult films portray the evil cadre as outcasts or fringe freaks.

This does give it a more helpless feeling, especially when you learn they’re offing their own family to serve their purposes.

While the few effects gags are strong (particularly the nail file in the eye during the climax) and the scenery at times is spot on (the crypt), the production suffers from the meager budget, and even re-shoots to spice up the violence could do nothing to bolster the result.

Ultimately, it’s best served as atmosphere — like the score to a film while you write. Better featured on a TV in the background of a shot rather than primary viewing on your own boob tube.

Famous Faces

Michael Gough (Uncle Alexander) was covered for a past Dig (Horror Hospital) and is most famous as Alfred Pennyworth in the pre-Nolan Batman films.

Of Gratuitous Nature

(Sarcasm)

It’s very necessary to have your sacrificial woman nude. Breasts and bush are the language of the Devil.

Are we not going to address the Cousin love? No? Was that OK in the UK?

Heartthrob

Candace Glendenning (Catherine) is like a gothic, peccable version of Susan Dey (Laurie Partridge – The Partridge Family). She’s bewitchingly beautiful.

Ripe for a Remake

There is nothing unique that warrants reimagining.

Spawns

No progeny to report.

Where to Watch

Vinegar Syndrome has a Blu-Ray available, or you can steam it from PLEX.


THE DAILY DIG
The Daily Dig brings you hidden genre gems from the 1970s and 80s you may have not yet discovered. You’ll get a brief rundown of everything you need to know, including where to watch each title for yourself. Come back each day, Mon-Fri, for new featured titles. CLICK HERE FOR A TIMELINE OF DAILY DIG COVERAGE.

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