Devils of Darkness (1965) is a British horror film directed by Lance Comfort, blending elements of gothic horror and vampire mythology with some occult and supernatural themes. The film is notable for being part of the wave of mid-20th-century British horror movies that explored gothic and supernatural elements, much like the films produced by Hammer Horror studios during that time.
The story follows a group of vacationers who, while on a trip to a small European village, stumble upon a sinister cult led by a centuries-old vampire named Count Sinistre (played by William Sylvester). The cult is involved in various dark rituals, and the vacationers quickly find themselves entangled in a web of supernatural events, including vampirism, murder, and occultism. Count Sinistre’s plan involves using his supernatural powers to manipulate the living and add them to his legion of followers.
One of the central characters, Paul Baxter (played by Hubert Noรซl), becomes determined to stop the vampire and his cult after witnessing the murder of one of his friends and uncovering the truth about the town’s dark secret. As Paul uncovers more about the cultโs operations, he realizes the full extent of the evil they’re dealing with, which includes black magic and the use of a cursed talisman.
Devils of Darkness features gothic settings, dark rituals, and traditional vampire lore with an emphasis on atmosphere and eerie visuals. While it wasnโt as successful or well-received as some of its contemporaries from Hammer Studios, the film offers a mix of occultism, gothic horror, and vampire mythology that might appeal to fans of classic horror films.
