NIGHT OF THE DEMON aka CURSE OF THE DEMON / Sabre Film Productions - 1957 / Music by Clifton Parker

Well, here's another Sunday evening, time for another CLASSIC movie from the fantastic '50s! I outta know, I was there!.. In fact, I saw this gem when it came out and its still one of the best!!

NIGHT OF THE DEMON is the original British title, the movie was made in Britain. When released in the USA, 12 minutes was trimmed off and the title was changed to CURSE OF THE DEMON. Columbia video released the 95 minute uncut British print as 'CURSE' in the '80s either as a new 'longer' version or out of stupidity!! Take your choice...

This will be a first and last time we feature Mr. Clifton Parker for music in a monster movie!.. This is the only one he did!! But, he did work on 6 episodes of WALT DISNEY and did some cool movies like THE HELLFIRE CLUB and MYSTERY SUBMARINE!! So, here's something we like to call around here... Curse Of Night Of The Demon! Funny thing, there are no runes at Stonehenge!!

This film starts out with a wallop!! Then, you don't really see the demon in all it's glory again until the end, but, who cares?! You do get a glimpse, though, half way through, as our unbelieving hero is chased through the woods at night by a ball of smoke and light!.. It totally scares the bejeezers out of him, too!! Anyway, the message is clear, beware the ancient runes, and, whatever you do, do not make fun of the devil!!

Also, The Demon was on the cover of Eegah!! and Tabonga's 1964 self published Monster Magazine, DWRAYGER DUNGEON #1!!

Here's one for you!.. Did you know that Howard Hughes designed The Constellation airliner for TWA?!.. So, in the plane, on his way to England, Dana Andrews acts like a typical American ass and gets the attention and ire of Peggy Cummins! They find out later that he was on the way to England to see her uncle!.. You know, the guy with the car that gets killed at the beginning!! Once he gets into town, Dana gets the scoop on local demons and devil worship!

Here are two great stills of the fireball as it harrasses Dana in those creepy old woods!

Okay, here's why the American version is 12 minutes shorter! They cut the entire seance scene!!.. No wonder, its freaking embarrassing!! Anyway, I totally prefer the American version without that!! YOW!!.. See if you agree, its part of the sound clip tonight!!

Dana cleverly hands back the parchment to bad guy Karswell at the end, and, then, Karswell really gets it good!! The last still shows the demon literally tearing him to shreads as the train flies by!!

...AWESOME!!!