User Reviews

It's an adventure/action movie with sensationalistic scenes , Naif style and lots of blood , swordplay and witchery .Dark Ages , Gilles De Lancre (Paul Naschy) , former Mariscal of France , brave chief and courageous warrior is now a vengeful lord , helped by his nasty underling Sille (Mariano Vidal Molina) and his beautiful lover Georgel(Norma Sebre) . He falls into Occultist practices and spend his money looking the philosopher's stone by means of alchemy . A prisoner is beheaded and Gilles pronounces a curse against his enemies , meanwhile he continues a murderous rampage . Gilles longing for power and for his ambition on French crown , then he carries out criminal rampage . He commits ominous killings and injustices against his vassals . Gilles takes on Gaston of Malebranche who previously was under his command . As a valiant group of rebels (Guillermo Bredeston , Luis Induni) sheltered in woods -such as Robin Hood and his Merrymen- fight against the tyrant .

This terrifying exploitation picture displays adventures , fencing with bounds and leaps ,necromancy , grisly killing, satanism and lots of blood . B-entertainment with a fairly adventuring and horrifying story in which a prestigious Mariscal of France turns into craziness and undergoes a cruel slaughter . This tale about countrymen who are attacked by the malevolent knight begins well and grows more and more until a spectacular finale with duels and exciting fencing . Revolting, horrible scenes and nasty images take place on decapitation , and bloody murders with axes and arrows .The movie has a bit of ridiculous gore with loads of blood similar to tomato and is occasionally an engaging ¨sword and sorcery¨ movie full of thrilling sequences , witchery , beheading , and several other things . Sensationalistic and exaggerated performance of Paul Naschy or Jacinto Molina . It packs a colorful cinematography by Francisco Sanchez and atmospheric musical score . Filmed in location on Aldea del Fresno, Madrid, Belmonte, Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha,Pelayos De la Presa, Seseña, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Talamanca del Jarama, Madrid, Spain. The late Naschy was a good professional , writing, filmmaking and acting about hundred titles , mainly in terror genre. ¨Marshall of Hell¨ is written by Molina along with 21 screenplays as ¨Mark of Wolfman¨, ¨Night of Walpurgis¨, ¨Vengeance of the mummy¨, ¨Licantropo¨, among them . He directed 13 films as ¨The Cantabros¨, ¨Return of Wolfman¨, ¨The Beast and the magic sword¨ and several others. Years later , Naschy goes back with a similar character named Alaric De Marnac role in the film titled ¨Horror rises from the tomb¨ and ¨Panic beats¨ that acted , produced , wrote and directed in his peculiar style . This Spanish-Argentinian co-production is regularly directed by Leon Klimovsky . Rating: 5,5 . The flick will appeal to Jacinto Molina fans and Euroterror buffs .

The picture is based on historical character Gilles De Rais , the actual events are the following : Rais served as a commander in the Royal Army, distinguishing himself by displaying reckless bravery on the battlefield during the renewal of the Hundred Years War. In 1429, he fought along with Joan of Arc in some of the campaigns waged against the English and their Burgundian allies. He was present with Joan when the Siege of Orléans . In his confession Gilles maintained the first assaults on children occurred between spring 1432 and spring 1433. The first murders occurred at Champtocé-Sur-Loire; however, no account of these murders survives. Shortly after, Gilles moved to Machecoul where, as the record of his confession states, he killed, or ordered to be killed, a great but uncertain number of children after he committed sodomy upon them. Forty bodies were discovered in Machecoul in 1437. Gilles' body-servant Étienne Corrillaut, known as Poitou, was an accomplice in many of the crimes and testified that his master hung his victims with ropes from a hook . Taking the victim down, Rais comforted the child and assured him he only wanted to play with him. Gilles then either killed the child himself or had the child slain by his cousin Gilles de Sillé, Poitou or another body-servant called Henriet. The victims were killed by decapitation, cutting of their throats, dismemberment, or breaking of their necks with a stick . Rais's prosecution would be on charges which included murder, sodomy, and heresy. The precise number of Gilles' victims is not known, as most of the bodies were burned or buried. The number of murders is generally placed between 80 and 200; a few have conjectured numbers upwards of 600. The victims ranged in age from six to eighteen and included both sexes.Execution by hanging and burning was set and Gilles and his two accomplices made their way in procession to the place of execution on the Ile De Biesse. There, Gilles addressed the throng of onlookers with contrite piety, and exhorted Henriet and Poitou to die bravely and think only of salvation. Gilles' request to be the first to die had been granted the day before. The brush at the platform was set afire and Rais was hanged. His body was cut down before being consumed by the flames and claimed by "four ladies of high rank" for burial. Henriet and Poitou were executed in similar fashion; their bodies however were reduced to ashes in the flames and then scattered.

I tend to love everything the great late Paul Naschy (R.I.P.) ever was in. While not all films starring Naschy are great, they all have a specific charm that can be found nowhere but in Naschy-flicks, and they are always entertaining. There is no rule without exception, however, as "El Mariscal Del Infierno" aka. "The Devil's Possessed" (1974) proves. While the film does have the specific Naschy-flick-charm, it sadly drags far too much and gets really, really dull in-between. Naschy stars as the evil Baron Gilles De Lancré, who oppresses the people and uses black magic and bloody rituals to stay in power. When Gaston de Malebranche (Guillermo Bredeston), who fought side by side with Gilles De Lancré against the British, learns about the Baron's evil behavior, he decides to turn against his former comrade in arms and help the people free themselves from the satanic Baron's tyranny...

Directed by León Klimovsky, who is best known for directing Naschy in "La Noche De Walpurgis" ("The Werewolf Vs. The Vampire Woman", 1971), the film was scripted by Naschy himself. Naschy often scripted his own films, and one must say that he mostly did a better, more original job than it is the case here. "El Mariscal Del Infierno" is mostly built up as a historical adventure rather than a Horror film, and it gets quite boring throughout the middle. It often resembles the Sword and Sandal films from the 50s, only that this film is set in medieval times. The Satanic part was probably only added because the great Paul Naschy's name is linked to the Horror genre. The film has its good parts: Paul Naschy giving weird speeches, Paul Naschy looking weird, Paul Naschy doing Satanic stuff, Paul Naschy torturing innocent victims, etc. But sadly, most of the film concentrates on the boring hero and the good guys, and these moments are boring. The female cast members are nice to look at, but, unlike most Naschy films, this one features no nudity and sleaze. There is some gore, but it mostly looks clumsy and isn't as fun too look at as it is the case with most other Naschy films. Overall, "El Mariscal Del Infierno" is only worth a look for my fellow Naschy-enthusiasts. There are dozens of films starring the Spanish Horror deity which should be seen before this one, such as "El Jorobado De La Morgue" ("The Hunchback of the Morgue", 1973), "La Orgia De Los Muertos" ("The Hanging Woman", 1973), "El Espanto Surge De La Tumba" ("Horror Rises From The Tomb", 1973), "Latidos De Panico" ("Panic Beats", 1983), "Rojo Sangre" (2004), or any of the 'Waldemar Daninsky' werewolf films. R.I.P. Paul Naschy. Legends never die!

This misleadingly-titled film should not even really be classified as horror, despite the myriad diabolic invocations and torture scenes. It is a good-looking medieval epic with a plot which basically amalgamates Shakespeare's "Macbeth" (spurned nobleman Paul Naschy being egged on by his ambitious wife to seize power from the current ruler) with the legendary exploits of Robin Hood (opposition to the tyrant being provided by a band of outlaws) – cue numerous athletic action scenes, and there is even a jousting tournament in an effort to catch their leader (who happens to be the tyrant's former ally) but, rather than hide his identity, he smiles defiantly at Naschy's wife before taking on her husband in mortal combat!!

As usual, the star also penned the script – attempting to lend sympathy to his character by making him gullible rather than truly evil (he is also shown feeling remorse and being, economically but effectively, haunted by his victims)…though he still gets to lose an eye and, eventually, expires from a hail of arrows in clear imitation of Akira Kurosawa's own definitive "Macbeth" adaptation THRONE OF BLOOD (1957). Still, Klimovsky being no more than a journeyman director, the result is too often heavy-handed (if undeniably enjoyable) and, in any case, the countless references to the villain's lust for power as "The Great Work" is not a little silly (especially since he only sends for the man he himself dubs "the world's greatest sorcerer" to this end only after several other alchemists had failed – WTF?!). To add insult to injury, the latter is just another quack who even performs the "Wizard of Oz" routine of enlightening the hero through a dead man's skull (when, in reality, he is hiding behind some rocks nearby and talking through a primitive microphone)! Equally anachronistic is the fact that, while generally appropriately robust, the music score is marred by intermittent and completely incongruous electronic passages!

While Naschy's "Waldemar Daninsky" Werewolf effort CURSE OF THE DEVIL (1973) similarly adopted a medieval setting (as did the opening scene of his best outing in that popular series i.e. THE CRAVING [1980]), THE DEVIL'S POSSESSED – whose original Spanish title translates to HELL'S MARSHALL – was the first of a loose trilogy, to be followed by two the star directed himself (which he actually considered his own personal favorites and that I will be checking out in quick succession): INQUISITION (1976) and THE TRAVELER (1979).

Paul Naschy, werewolf of Spain and worldwide horror icon thanks to DVD, has done a bevy of great work--but this isn't among his finest outings. This movie centers on two war heroes who have returned from their fight, Naschy and Guillermo Bredeston. While Paul was away, his sexy bride (Norma Sebre) employed an alchemist and adopted the black arts. She persuades Naschy to engage in the dark doings as well and soon he begins sacrificing virgins to Satan in an effort to rule the world.

Guillermo, as Gaston, who saved Naschy's life in battle, sees the transformation of his battle buddy and isn't pleased. Naschy has effectively planted the seed of terror throughout the kingdom and the master swordsman can only be beaten by an uprising led by Gaston, his military equal. Gaston, in great Robin Hood fashion, leads a revolt against the devil-worshipping Baron Naschy in order to quell the fears of the people.

STORY: $$ (As with most of these Spanish horror films we, US film viewers, don't know what all has been cut for editing purposes. Be that as it may, this story has many flaws that editing had little to do with. At times Paul struggles with his satanic dealings and a great inner conflict could have been had there, but the writers fail to deliver. Naschy hears the voices of dead women and children he has killed but we only get one such seen late in the film. This leads him to make a pilgrimage to cleanse his soul but he decides to slaughter monks instead. The alchemy touch in the script was wanting as well. You'll scratch your head too much in this film).

ACTING: $$$ (The acting is okay across the board. Naschy makes a much better werewolf that aristocrat but he gets decent support from Guillermo Bredeston as Gaston. The two actors were well cast as opposites. Paul has that dark quality which contrasted quite well with Guillermo's more stereotypical heroic looks. Norma Sebre shines as Paul's twisted wife who lures him to do the Devil's bidding with promises of world domination. It's easy to see why Paul went along with the schemes--Norma Sebre is quite exquisite).

NUDITY: None (However, the version I viewed was clearly edited--from the Mill Creek PURE TERROR 50 MOVIE PACK, so there might be some skin in another version of the film. Norma Sebre is nice to look at and in an unedited version she might offer skin. There is probably also some virgin sacrifice nudity in unedited versions but what struck me as odd was Paul had to sacrifice seven virgins to the Devil but he he sexually assaults all the virgins first. Perhaps they weren't as pure after Paul invited them to his chamber).

In days of olde, an evil but beautiful seductress and her alchemist cohort manipulate a wealthy Baron into serving Satan. He grows more power-hungry with each ritual killing, until a revolt of the working class is mobilized against him.

DEVIL'S POSSESSED is a limp offering, ennobled somewhat by Paul Naschy's dependable screen vitality and the variably asute direction of Leon Klimovsky. Despite having a few fleeting gory moments, it's a curiously tame item, and less a horror film than a fantastical medieval adventure with poorly choreographed swordfight scenes. The strongest aspect of this production is the better-than-usual stylistic formulation of its period setting...but that's hardly reason enough to sing great praises.

Forestall Ye this picture, lest Ye perish of a great boredom. 3.5/10.

Not the greatest film to remember Paul Naschy by.

Gaston (Guillermo Bredeston) is probably the worst swordsman I have ever seen. Zorro would be ashamed! His only salvation came as the competition was just as bad.

This film is described as adventure and horror. Forget the horror - there is none. No nudity, no blood, no monsters; just a Robin Hood adventure against an evil Baron (Paul Naschy) who wants to be King.

The main feature of the film was seeing Graciela Nilson, who only made four films in two years and disappeared to our regrettable loss. Where did she go?

As part of a Mill Creek box set called Pure Terror, I expected this 1974 Paul Naschy film to offer up the excess of cheesy gore and gratuitous female nudity that one typically finds in many a Euro-horror of the era—except that this isn't a horror, more of a historical adventure (with more than a touch of Robin Hood about it), and as such delivers not nearly enough in the way of graphic violence, and absolutely no bare flesh.

The pedestrian plot sees Naschy playing power hungry Barón Gilles de Lancré, who, along with his wicked mistress Georgelle (Norma Sebre), turns to the dark arts to further his plans of becoming king, employing the services of an alchemist who uses the blood of virgins in his magic. Shocked by de Lancré's nefarious activities, valiant nobleman Gaston de Malebranche (Guillermo Bredeston) joins a band of partisans determined to put a stop to the wickedness.

Much of the film consists of poorly choreographed sword-fights, with a boring jousting competition, and extremely mild scenes of torture, while Naschy rants about the Philosopher's Stone and Ars Magna — all of which proves extremely tedious. There is some amusement to be had as de Malebranche repeatedly leaps onto a trampoline (hidden from camera) during a melee in a bar, and from a silly scene featuring an unconvincing severed head, but for the most part this is a very disappointing and instantly forgettable vehicle for Spain's premier horror star.

An evil ruler uses witchcraft and evil spirits to keep his subjects in line, but the his reign of terror prompts the people to revolt.

This film is proof that Paul Naschy has not yet reached the level of horror icon that he so richly deserves. Despite starring in this excellent film, you will not likely be able to find much about it online. No Wikipedia page, for example. And when Scream! released it on Blu in 2017, it came without commentary. Luckily, it does have a section in their booklet.

It is with high hopes that Scream releases a third Naschy collection. I do not understand the business end -- the costs of rights and how many copies would need to be sold to make it worthwhile. But I think what they are doing here is more than selling a product. They are preserving a legacy.

This 1974 Naschy outing is directed by Leon Klimovsky, and a cursory glance at the publicity photos and packaging might lead you to believe that this medieval romp lies somewhere between "Inquisition" and "Sadomania". Sadly not.

This is a strictly PG affair with tame torture sequences, no nudity and little edge at all. Naschy (of whom I am a fan) struts his stuff as Gilles de Lancre, "antiguo Mariscal de la nacion". Sadly he is more pantomime villain than anything else. One gets the feeling with this film that we have seen him (and it) done all before. Strictly therefore for Naschy completest only.

The Devil's Possessed (1974)

** (out of 4)

Barón Gilles de Lancré (Paul Naschy) is an evil King who is searching for a jewel that will give him eternal life. When he's not doing that he's torturing people in a variety of ways so that they know who the boss is and that they should never try and cross him.

THE DEVIL'S POSSESSED is yet another Spanish horror movie that takes witchcraft and makes a full feature out of it. If you've seen MARK OF THE DEVIL then you've pretty much seen this movie as elements of it are thrown in with a touch of THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD. This film is certainly far from being a bad movie but at the same time the genre is just so crowded and this film really doesn't do anything to set itself apart.

I think the best thing going for the film was its visual look. The atmosphere is just right and I thought that the director really nailed the setting. You really do feel as if you're watching a movie that captured the era just right. Director León Klimovsky does a very good job at making this film look a lot better than its budget would have normally allowed. The cinematography is quite good as is the music and overall it has a very professional look. I'd also add that Naschy is quite good in his role.

So, what's wrong with the film? I'd say it's just too bland for its own good. If you're familiar with the genre then you know there have been countless films like this. The problem here is that everything is just rather bland and there's nothing here that really jumps out at you. There's no real gore or major violence so those seeking that are going to be disappointed. The story doesn't offer anything original enough to make it stand out. Again, THE DEVIL'S POSSESSED is a mild entertainment but there's much more interesting films out there.

The clash of odd synth tones with old world castles and flutes is what keeps me tuned into this colorful piece of nonsense. Brutal murders of families, magic and alchemy, satanic rituals, horrible treatment of human kind. Well, that's about it but I enjoyed the humor of the absurdity of the film.

Before I get into the review, here are my ratings for the movie. The story gets 0.5 out of 2: The Direction a 0.5: The Pacing receives a 0.75: While the Acting gets 1.25: And my Enjoyment level earns a 0.5 out of 2: The Devil's Possessed, therefore, receives a total of 3.5 out of 10.

This project is not Paul Naschy's best work, though he has both written and featured in the movie. The trouble is fans of Naschy will likely be expecting a horror film. However, this story is more of a Medieval action-adventure, which includes a hint of the supernatural. Naschy has included a fair amount of swash and buckle. Sadly, the director isn't too adept with action sequences. Every fight scene has the feel of being choreographed on the fly.

The story tells of a downcast Lord who, when his heroic deeds on the battlefield are forgotten, turns his attention to science. He wants to lead the way forward into a more modern era. His lady, however, has other plans and ideas. While the Lord was abroad fighting, she had been conversing with an alchemist. With her Lord's scheme in mind, she introduces them. The alchemist convinces the Lord he can bring his dreams of a scientific future to life, but it will require some sacrifices, especially those of youthful nubile virgins. At first, the Lord is distressed and angered at the thought, but soon changes his mind. He then embarks on the slaughter and torture of his people. While in the background, his lady is his puppet master, and we are presently to learn both she and the alchemist practise the arcane arts and pray to Satan.

At this initial point in the film, I was ready for the dungeons, the torture chambers, and the potions. Though these elements are there, you soon realise they're not going to be the key focus. No, the emphasis moves onto the Lord's trustworthy friend Gaston and his discovery of what's happening and his action to rectify the evil that's taken over the land.

It's this change in direction that establishes this more as a Dark Fantasy rather than horror. There are some gruesome scenes, though not too many and the special effects are weak.

A further hindrance is the direction and pace of the filming. Klimovsky chose a moderate pace, and he does speed it up in the action scenes trying to generate more excitement. As I previously stated, all these sequences are poorly structured. At times it looks as though Klimovsky asked the actors if they could do this stunt. They said, "Yeah, of course." And then shot it without proper planning. It's most evident in the tavern sword-fight. There are two cringe-worthy sections. In one shot Gaston, Guillermo Bredeston, has to jump from table to table, and he achieves this with the aid of a trampoline. He jumps from one table onto the trampoline and springs up onto the other table. Regrettably, Bredeston doesn't add the flare or panache of Errol Flynn to his performance. It all looks rather foolish. At that moment, he turns around and bounces back to his original table. The other scene is when he decides he's going to swing on the chandelier. Once again the style is missing - and that is valid for most of the fights. Swifter movement from both the actors and stuntmen was needed in these scenes. It's like watching geriatrics scrap. Not good, but a little funny.

The performances are the best thing about this picture, but that ain't saying too much. Everybody is okay, though not on their top forms. But Bredeston as Gaston is exceedingly smiley. Though he's confronting evil, he wears a perpetual grin on his face. It would have been more amiable had the cast added depth to their characters. Norma Sebre, the Lord's lady, needed to be more sinister and conniving. The Lord, Naschy, demanded a tougher personality. As did his friend and enemy, Bredeston. And the alchemist, Eduardo Calvo, would have been more loathsome if he was more of a slimy snake-oil salesman.

If you're wanting a Naschy horror flick, this is not for you. If you're after a swash-buckling adventure set in medieval times, then watch an old Errol Flynn flick. There are many better films around than this one. And, in that respect, I cannot recommend anyone to sit through this film. It's not bad, and it's not total drivel. It's just ungood, in too numerous ways.

Now buckle your swash and come on over to my Absolute Horror and Obsidian Dreams lists to see where this mad Lord landed in my rankings... and to select a worthier film for your viewing pleasure.

Take Care & Stay Well.

(1974 Devil's Possessed/ El mariscal del infierno DUBBED HORROR THRILLER/ HISTORICAL

A cross between "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and evil MacBeth starring Paul Naschy who was also credited as a writer as he plays the Baron, Gilles de Lancré allowing himself to be manipulated by his evil wife, Graciela (Graciela Nilson) upon listening to their alchemist's Sille (Mariano Vidal Molina) mythical way of using common peasants and farmers as a sacrifice toward his eternal life with hero, Gaston de Malebranche (Guillermo Bredeston) staging a rebellion. Low budget and does not offer anything new to the genre.

Sometimes the means one has to watch a movie can itself impact how well the movie comes across. I always prefer subtitles to dubbing, and there's no better example of why than when only a dubbed version is available - and the dub is plainly deficient. This is definitely true of 1974 Spanish genre flick 'Devil's possessed'; would that this were its only flaw. There is, still, much to enjoy here, and it's worth checking out, but it does have its problems.

Blending swashbuckling elements with significant horror vibes, this is fun but curious. On the one hand we see swordfights and grandiose stunts against the backdrop of harsh and cruel governance; on the other hand, torture, sorcery, and Satanic worship. Why, is this "Robin Hood, but make it Satanic?" Both facets are very well executed, together building a story that's fairly compelling, if direct and heavy-handed. Scenes of violence are finely orchestrated, whether adventurous action or more gnarly brutality. The production design and art direction at large are splendid; perhaps less robustly vibrant than in contemporary British titles (especially those of Hammer), we're nonetheless treated to excellent costume design, hair and makeup work, set pieces, props and weapons, and an otherwise feast for the eyes. Blood, gore, and effects look great, and the narrative and scene writing are very strong despite their curtness. I also quite like Carlos Viziello's original score, though it too is peculiar as themes vary from early, experimental electronic music with pensive overtones, to dramatic orchestral ambience, to light and jaunty tunes.

Meanwhile, audio in the picture is overall troubled: music and environmental sounds cut out very abruptly; the sound mix is notably imbalanced, such that no matter the volume one selects, the result is always grating on the ears; what we hear is often fundamentally warbled, like a vinyl record that has suffered from exposure to extremes of temperature. There's a certain stilted pacing to the direction of some scenes, and assuming that the dubbed dialogue accurately reflects Paul Naschy's script, the dialogue itself is often blunt and inelegant. Solid as the title is generally, there are moments where the relative lack of detail in a scene betrays the seeming limited resources to go into days of filming. And once more to emphasize, there's no mistaking the brusqueness of plot development.

For whatever shortcomings it bears, however, more than not I still think 'Devil's possessed' is a good bit of fun. The filming locations are choice, and despite faults, one can readily recognize the hard work, passion, and earnest intent that went into making this. León Klimovsky's direction, Francisco Sánchez's cinematography, and Antonio Ramírez de Loaysa's editing are all more capable than not. Naschy's writing has some issues, but is broadly suitable and engaging as he mixes genres and tells his story. And if unremarkable in the grand scheme of things, I think the cast are pretty swell as they help to bring the tale to life. Most impressive among the ensemble, I'd argue, are Naschy himself as the cruel Barón Gilles de Lancré, and Norma Sebrelle as his proverbial Lady Macbeth, Georgelle; both demonstrate greater nuance in their acting than their co-stars, and I commend them.

Uneven in various ways as it presents, the weaknesses never completely overshadow the entertainment value. There's a lot going on here, and it's a little odd, but ultimately I can't bring myself to overly nitpick a production that only wants to tell a good story and have a good time. I don't think you need to go out of your way for it, but if you have the chance to watch 'Devil's possessed,' it's a delightful way to spend 90 minutes.

This film is much better than some of the critics and reviewers say it is. I for one enjoyed watching the film. I love the sword-n-sorcery and swashbuckler type of flicks and this film is a mix of the two styles.

There is nothing wrong with this story - it's interesting. The costumes and sets are fantastic. The acting is good (even the dubbing into English fine). The filming technique is good too. I don't understand the disdain for this one - it's quite a fine film.

If you like the older swashbucklers, sword-n-sorcery and horror movies then this is a film I would recommend.

8.5/10

THE DEVIL'S POSSESSED (1974, original title El mariscal del infierno) marks another collaboration between director Leon Klimovsky and star Paul Naschy, not as classic as their earlier WEREWOLF SHADOW, but still telling an intriguing and entertaining tale. This one is more of a horror/adventure film, based loosely on the life of the notorious French nobleman Gilles de Rais. Naschy plays a French baron who commits endless atrocities in his pursuit of fame and fortune and unlocking the secret of the philosopher's stone.

The film is heavy on the swashbuckling and light on the gore and nudity, which is unusual for Naschy. There's a notable stand-out scene involving a severed head and some nasty moments in a torture chamber, but this is more involved with a Robin Hood-style outlaw band hiding out in the woods. There are fine real-world locations, Naschy's on strong form as the sympathetic sadist, and we get some fun with his Lady Macbeth-esque wife, although horror lovers may be a little disappointed by the lack of explicit grue on offer.

Baron Gilles de Lancre (Paul Naschy) seeks out an alchemist in order to obtain the throne. Said alchemist agrees to help, but requires the blood of a young maiden.

After hurriedly obtaining and sacrificing the required lass, de Lancre awaits his new position.

Oh no!

It seems that before he can become Lord and Master, he must also get his mitts on the legendary Philosopher's Stone! In the meantime, he spends his time torturing and killing his subjects.

Much hocus pocus is employed, including the use of a rubber head in a bad wig as an oracle.

DEVIL'S POSSESSED is another fairly entertaining Naschy vehicle. He's always at his best when portraying eeevil, sadistic villains. Unfortunately, this movie contains several long stretches of dullness. Still, it's worth a viewing, especially for the Naschy fanatics out there...