Disciple of Death
Date: 1972
Director: Tom Parkinson
Production Company: Embassy Pictures
Stars: Mike Raven, Ronald Lacey, Marguerite Hardiman, Stephen Bradley, George Belbin, Betty Alberge, Nicholas Amer, Rusty Goffe, Joe Dunlop, Virginia Wetherell, Louise Jameson, Daisika
Location(s): Cornwall
Region(s): South West
Storyline:
A henchman of Satan poses as a priest in order to get closer to young virgins he needs for human sacrifice.
Additional Information:
Originally uploaded from a poor quality copy by Dave Wilson and published by Richard Lovejoy.
At that time it was said to be generally accepted that this might perhaps be THE worst film ever made and therefore very unlikely that anyone would finance the distribution of a better quality copy. There does in any event appear to be debate as to the true aspect ratio of the film, but consensus seems to have settled on two primary ratios 4:3, because that was the general standard for DVD releases and 1.85:1 (widescreen) that was the common standard for films of the era.
Dave’s poor copy was of the 4:3 variety. However, Manuel Gurtner has found a German-language version, titled Das Monster mit der Teufelsklaue (The Monster with the Devil’s Claw), and was able to generate some much improved and additional captures. After release the film was banned in Germany for a long time due to some explicit scenes.
The Daily Mirror, Friday 29 September 1972 reported: “The acting in Disciple of Death put me in mind of a village drama group at first rehersal. It is so richly hammy that for most of the film I had the giggles. Mike Raven plays a damned soul who comes back from the grave. I’ve been more scared at a panto.”
The Evening News (London), Friday 29th September 1972 reported: “……Considerably outclassed are the actors in Disciple of Death, Mike Raven, Marguerite Hardiman, Stephen Bradley, Betty Alberge, Ronald Lacey, Rusty Goffe, Joe Dunlop, Virginia Wetherell set in rural 18th century England where a mysterious Stranger has arrived up at Old Hall. Indeed the whole risible business (with very nasty details) gives the impression that it is the work of a Home Counties amateur group…..”
Manos: The Hands of Fate from 1966 is generally considered (Wikipedia) the worst film ever made, an opinion shared by Manuel.
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If you have any information regarding this production, the locations or, even better, some comparison shots please contact us. Images submitted must be in Landscape orientation, as would be seen on the cinema screen, not Portrait.
We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.
- Capture 1
- 'Now' required
Mathew (Joe Dunlop) works the grounds outside a Cornish homestead. Penally House, Penally Hill, Boscastle, Cornwall. (SR)
- Capture 2
- 'Now' required
Dorothy (Betty Alberge) asks her daughter Julia (Marguerite Hardiman) where she is going, but Julia is non committal. Penally House is also to be seen in 'The Echo Murders'. (SR)
- Capture 3
- 'Now' required
While Ruth (Virginia Wetherell) is feeding the geese, Ralph (Stephen Bradley) tells her that he will just pop over to the manor house.
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required
Clearly they have agreed to meet, and sitting on the grave of the Stranger in the overgrown garden of the Old Hall, they talk about their future together.
- Capture 5
- 'Now' required
On her way home Julia comes across the old Gypsy woman (Daisika) who wants to read her palm, but on presenting it, the gypsy woman refuses to do so.
- Capture 6
- 'Now' required
The Squire (George Belbin), Dorothy, Julia and their entourage leave the manor house to go to church. Penally House, Boscastle.
- Capture 7
- 'Now' required
Ralph tells Ruth that he is off to church. His home is currently an unidentified location.
- Capture 8
- 04 Jan 2017
Julia goes, as agreed, to meet Ralph at the old hall after church. It's actually St Merthiana's Church (Minster) near Boscastle in Cornwall.
Lionel and Cynthia Sear couldn't resist an early challenge associated with the worst possible film ever made, they did their best amongst the undergrowth, but perfectionist's that they are they had to return a few days later to capture a more accurate shot. (RL)
- Capture 9
- 'Now' required
Julia arrives and is soon to be met by the Stranger (Mike Raven).
- Capture 10
- 'Now' required
The old Gypsy woman (Daisika) is resting by the roadside and as soon as the flock of sheep has passed, she is strangled by un unknown killer.
- Capture 11
- 29 Dec 2016
The cemetery where recently stabbed Mathew is taken on route to the church. The churchyard at St Merthiana's Church, near Boscastle.
Lionel and Cynthia confirm that it is indeed the churchyard with this excellent shot despite the vegetation. (RL)
- Capture 12
- 'Now' required
Parson (Ronald Lacey) is snooping around what is supposed to be the Old Hall, hoping that the mysterious Stranger isn't around. Believed to be 'Penpol', Lesnewth, Cornwall, later acquired to be the home of Mike Raven. Now Grade ll listed.
- Capture 13
- 'Now' required
Parson discovers that Ralph is not at home. Currently an unidentified location.
- Capture 14
- 'Now' required
The Stranger brings the unconscious Ruth to the Old Hall, where he is already expected by one of his undead Satan's disciples. Believed to be 'Penpol', Lesnewth, Cornwall, later to be acquired as the home of Mike Raven. Now Grade ll listed.
- Capture 15
- 'Now' required
The Parson and Ralph seek out the cabalist Melchisidech (Nicholas Amer), who is already expecting them.
- Capture 16
- 'Now' required
The Parson tells Ralph that he will go back again to the Cabalist's house.
- Capture 17
- 'Now' required
Parson heads back inside to double check Melchisidech, the Cabalist (Nicholas Amer) has told them the correct advice for using the talisman. This is still an unidentified location in Cornwall.
- Capture 18
- 'Now' required
Parson and Ralph attempt to out manoeuvre the evil Dwarf (Rusty Goffe) and find themselves climbing over and between rocks at a location in North Cornwall.
- Capture 19
- 'Now' required
Although the evil Dwarf possesses magical powers, Ralph and the priest manage to leave the gorge, for now.
- Capture 20
- 'Now' required
Ralph returns to the Old Hall in at attempt to rescue the undead Julia. Believed to be 'Penpol', Lesnewth, Cornwall, later to be acquired as the home of Mike Raven. Now Grade ll listed.