The Fiend

This is one of the more notable British horror films from the early 1970s, a stylish and generally accomplished mix of religion, psycho-drama, music and exploitation. The opening cross-cutting between a prayer meeting – accentuated by a powerful gospel song – and a vicious murder is so stunning that the rest of the film actually struggles to live up to it, though the ending – appropriately over-the-top – is worth waiting for. Thematically, the film anticipates Pete Walker's equally good HOUSE OF MORTAL SIN aka THE CONFESSIONAL (1975) – but here we get the added bonus of a typically intense performance from Patrick Magee as the religious group's fanatical leader. Ann Todd (the former Mrs. David Lean) is one of his closest collaborators – in fact, her house is a converted church! – but who has to keep her diabetic condition a secret because the intake of insulin is prohibited by her faith! Her son (Tony Beckley), a security guard and part-time swimming instructor and pamphlet distributor, is repressed and unbalanced – and soon revealed to be the serial killer of nubile girls terrorizing the neighborhood (he even records on tape the victims in the throes of death a' la PEEPING TOM [1960]!). Todd's new nurse happens to have a reporter sister (genre regular Suzanna Leigh) who, alerted to the inhabitants' conspicuous Puritanism, concludes that all is not well with the house and decides to investigate. Given the permissive era in which this was made, violence and gratuitous nudity (along with the standard prerequisites associated with such fare) contend for the running-time – and the audience's attention – with a moderately serious treatment of the subject at hand. The end result may not be surprising or even particularly insightful but nonetheless proves wholly absorbing, thanks also to its undeniable surface polish.

The Fiend, a 1972 British horror film directed by Robert Hartford-Davis, is a gruesome and grisly affair that embraces the sexploitation vibes of the early '70s. With a backdrop of religious fanaticism, this flick tries to shock and awe with its blend of murder, manipulation, and moral mayhem. But does it succeed? Well, let's just say it's a hell of a ride, even if it's not exactly a holy roller.

Kicking things off with a bang, The Fiend quickly devolves into a tedious trudge through tiresome encounters and dull supporting characters. It's like a TV movie that randomly cuts to scenes of violence and nudity to keep viewers awake. The story meanders and struggles to find its footing, but the cast does their damnedest to keep things afloat. Ann Todd and Patrick Magee bring their A-game to this B-movie, even as the odds are stacked against them. The real stars, though, might just be the itchy police uniforms and hip threads worn by the younger cast-a fun, fibrous fashion show amidst the fiendish festivities.

The film's technical aspects are a mixed bag. The AVC-encoded image is a blessing, offering a detailed view of the set decoration, from the Brethren church to the characters' homes. You can practically feel the fabric of the costumes and see the evil in every macabre murder. But the direction is as flat as week-old soda, lacking the fizz needed to make this a true cult classic. The film feels disjointed, with ugly, staccato close-ups that disrupt the flow.

The Fiend is like a rollercoaster with a rickety start, a few thrilling peaks, and an underwhelming conclusion. It's not a film that will haunt your dreams, but it might keep you entertained on a gloomy night. With a runtime of 98 minutes (or 87 if you watch the edited version), it's a commitment that could've benefited from a tighter script. Overall, it's a gory good time that falls just short of greatness, earning a respectable 5 out of 10 rating.

So, if you're in the mood for a blast from the past that's bloody, bizarre, and a bit of a bumpy ride, give The Fiend a go. Just don't expect to be converted to its cult following.

Beware My Brethren (1971): An English fundamentalist church has a small but committed (they should be) congregation. They listen to tapes from their Leader in Arizona. Crazed scenes as they respond to Preacher Patrick Magee who puts in a worthy performance. Amazing how many low budget horror features he starred in along with Pinter and Beckett plays, exploitation movies paying the rent I guess. Anyway one of his flock, Tony Beckley is a few psalms short of a psalter and has become a serial killer. A demented portrayal , not just as he gruesomely dispatches his victims but also as he simultaneously listens to tapes of their pleadings along with his Leader's rants. Some really good editing as the action cuts between a full immersion baptism and the drowning of one of those murdered by Beckley. Production values suffer from a limited budget but it;s certainly worth watching. Directed by Robert Hartford-Davis, written by Brian Comport. On Legend Channel. 6.5/10.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. A great sleazy atmosphere pervades throughout, not surprised the censors got their hands on it back in the day, and the UK only saw an edited version. Thankfully the version on the blu ray is the international version, and there is a handy extra feature comparing the UK version th the international.

Acting is excellent throughout, Ann Todd, Patrick Magee and Tony Beckley all do sterling jobs with their major roles, and the supporting cast are no slouches either.

It's a hard film to categorise, not horror really, not a crime drama, I'd call it a thriller more than anything.

Approach it with an open mind, and you'll be rewarded with a bit of a gem.,and a very early appearance fro Maxine Barrie of Stars in Their Eyes fame!

Hats off to 88 films for making this look as good as it does.

Having recently bought a copy of the 2010 release of this lost gem, finally available fully uncut and beautifully presented in anamorphic widescreen 1.78:1 - Odeon Entertainmant ODNF162 - I can't recommend it enough. Taking into consideration the very strict censorship laws and general climate the time of it's production, it's easy to see why it was butchered and suppressed at the time of it's initial release in 1972, the Mary Whitehouse brigade would have soiled themselves collectively at the subject matter alone. And the murder scenes, whilst fairly tame compared to some in todays more enlightened times, were way out there for early 70's Britain.

It's not the most polished of films, but the directing is pretty good and the acting pretty solid throughout - with a convincing enough ratio of ham, menace and believability - with the script and storyline excellent. Overall the results, particularly when taking the fairly small budget into consideration, really are very, very good indeed. Which is why I honestly think this film was years ahead of it's time.

An essential addition to any Brit Horror collection - it's a proto-slasher of sorts, imo - and also to anyone with an interest in looking at the darker and less positive sides of religion and it's very strong tendencies towards brainwashing, mind control and even abuse. I'd also recommend it to anyone who just loves a good well made and sincere film, however if you're just a cannibals & zombies or shoot 'em ups only freak, don't bother, it's definitely not for you.