Synopsis

The commanding Herbert Lom stars as a sadistic, corrupt inquisitor in this salacious exploitation thriller from Germany set in 18th-century Austria. A handsome young Udo Kier takes a rare romantic lead as a young baron who rescues an innocent peasant girl from the clutches of a local witch hunter (the villainous-looking Reggie Nalder), only to run afoul of Lom's unholy warrior. An early entry in the "sex and sadism" genre, this production is an exploitation film with an intelligence behind it, but an exploitation film nonetheless: director Michael Armstrong revels in the most barbarous tortures as the impotent inquisitor punishes innocent young maidens for his own unclean desires. Strong performances from Lom, Kier, and Nalder and a cynical ending deliver a dramatic punch along with the grisly nastiness. This brutal thriller is not for all tastes: barf bags were handed out to audiences on its initial release. The new Collector's Edition restores the film to its full, uncut gory--that is, glory.

Official Review

You’re a Devil because I say you are… For hundreds upon hundreds of years, across the continent through 15th – 19th century Europe, men and especially women, lived under the tyranny of religious extremist societies like the Taliban, and suffered horrific, slaughtered fates, as insane impotent lords and greedy lustful pig bishops reigned over all. Of all the inhabitants, women were especially brutalized, raped, owned, oppressed, and tortured. If you’ve ever heard of the Spanish Inquisition, or the Salem witch trials, your ears have managed to wander across the remaining ripple effect of pain and broken hearts that still resonates through our societies and bloodlines today – the labeling of millions of innocent women as witches, and their subsequent trials, tortures, and ruthless murders. …Read More