Starring - Barbara Steele (Black Sunday, Dark Shadows), Anthony Steffen (Escape from Hell, Django the Bastard), and Claudio Gora (The Manhunt, The Nun and the Devil)
Release Date - 1966
Genre - Horror
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
Several years ago I received a couple mid-60s gothic horror flicks to review that starred the forever lovely Barbara Steele. I was relatively unfamiliar with her name but I did recognize her once I actually watched the films. She's the face of Black Sunday and Nightmare Castle along with dozen of others classic horror tales. I felt stupid for not knowing her name and have since collected a good portion of her films. When Severin Films announced that they would be releasing 1966's An Angel for Satan on blu I knew I had to have it. I reached out to my friends over at MVD and they were kind enough to send over a review copy for me. I want to thank them and Severin Films for always supporting Horror Society!
The film follows a small coastal town held deep in superstition and their old ways. With the lowering tide, they uncover an old statue that was lost over 200 years ago. Many of the locals believe it to be a bad omen and when the wealthy local hires an artist to restore it they begin to panic thinking that this will bring bad fortune and death upon them. When people start mysteriously dying they suspect that it's the statue's fault but something more logical is the real reason for the deaths.
I was in the mood for a moody, gothic thriller and An Angel for Satan looked like the perfect film for that. I loved the story and how it mixed well with the locations, wardrobes, and tension. It's a film that not only relies on story but cinematography and atmosphere. It's a beautiful film that works. The acting in this one is solid and fits the film very well but the cast does lack energy. The characters are very generic and the dialogue is thick but it works for the film. It fits with the atmosphere and story but no one really stands out or sticks with the viewer. The story for this one is pretty generic even for a horror tale from the mid-60s. The twist is not predictable but the premise is something we have seen before especially for gothic horror tales from the same decade. What makes this one stand out is the beautiful Barbara Steele. Her presence makes it a must see for horror fans alone and though it is generic and cliched it still works as a solid horror piece. Finally, don't expect a bloody or gory flick. However, if you are in a mood for a dark and brooding horror flick then this one is for you. Overall, An Angel for Satan is a fun first time watch. I could see myself revisiting it but the impact is only effective on first time viewing. The blu from Severin looks great and is the way I would recommend checking it out. It's worth your time.
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