This double feature offers two rarely seen mid-sixties British horror films. "Witchcraft" has Lon Chaney Jr. as a warlock seeking revenge on a rival family for desecrating his family's ancient cemetary. A centuries old witch arises from her tomb to carry out the murderous task. Good acting, atmosphere and a sublime sense of dread permeate the b&w film. And the witch, Vanessa (Yvette Rees) is truly creepy. Fine print of a good supernatural chiller. The 2nd disc is "Devils of Darkness", another rarely seen mid-60's color film about a centuries old satan-worshipping vampire (Hubert Noel) seeking a missing talisman and a new bride in modern day Chelsea among some bizarre, ultra-hip party people. Turns out he has a slavish following and his "old" bride (Carole Gray) is getting really jealous over his new find, a jaded model with very heavy eye make-up. This is a low budget, very strange film. An excellent print enhances what seems to be a dream-like quality that some may write off to low production values. It's virtually blood-less but has an odd style that makes it watchable. A good deal on both films and definitely worth a look, especially "Witchcraft". Enjoy.
DEVILS OF DARKNESS (1965) Stars William Sylvester. Deep beneath the town graveyard in hidden catacombs in a vampire cult that kidnaps the small town's victims for ancient sacrifices. Gothic horror from England.
WITCHCRAFT (1964) Starring Lon Chaney. One of Chaney's best later roles. He plays it grumpy right off the bat as he tries to stop a construction crew from bulldozing a cemetery. Bulldozer vs. Chaney, I'd lay my bets on Chaney. Then, we're swept into a surreal world of a small town and it's melodrama. Witchcraft lays bubbling (and boiling with toil and trouble) just below the surface. Lon gets to smack a cane around at people a growl a lot too.
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