The Hellfire Club is a 1961 film inspired by the historical Hellfire Club, Sir Francis Dashwood's infamous 'gentlemen's' society of the 18th century. It starred Keith Michell and featured Peter Cushing in a cameo as enigmatic attorney Mr Merryweather.
According to the film, the club was famed for its depravity, debauchery, and devil worship. Although not a Hammer Films production, there are visual similarities. The script was co-written by Jimmy Sangster, and co-stars Hammer regulars Miles Malleson and Francis Matthews.
Cast
- Keith Michell as Jason
- Adrienne Corri as Isobel
- Peter Cushing as Merryweather
- Peter Arne as Thomas
- Kai Fischer as Yvonne
- David Lodge as Timothy
- Bill Owen as Martin
- Miles Malleson as Judge
- Martin Stephens as Jason as a Boy
- Andrew Faulds as Lord Netherden
- Jean Lodge as Lady Netherden
- Francis Matthews as Sir Hugh Manning
- Desmond Walter-Ellis as Lord Chorley
- Denis Shaw as Sir Richard
- Tutte Lemkow as Higgins
Reception
Glenn Erickson claims that the film did good box-office when released in America, on the back of publicity (such as a Playboy photo-spread) that suggested more nudity and adult content than actually appeared in any U.S. prints.[1]
In a 2012 review, Time Out calls the film "Surprisingly light on debauchery and occasionally perhaps too jocular for its own good" but praises Michell's performance.[2]
References
- ^ Erickson, Glenn (12 August 2001). "DVD Savant Review: The Flesh and the Fiends". DVD Savant. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ "The Hellfire Club". Time Out. 11 September 2012. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
External links
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