The Devils (Original title)
Dates: 1971 (Copyright), 30 June 1972 (Release)Countries: USA, United KingdomDirected by: Ken Russell
Synopsis: Set in 17th century France when Richelieu has ordered all self-government of towns to end, the ruler priest of Loudun, Urbane Grandier, is tortured and burnt at the stake for treason and witchcraft, based on the evidence of Sister Jeanne, head of an Ursuline convent, who is sexually obsessed by the priest.
Genre: Drama
Subject: Religion
Releases
Date: 1971Country: United KingdomRelease type: unknownFormat: not specified - Colour - Technicolor - SoundRuntime: 111 mins Length: 9990 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: 1997Country: United KingdomRelease type: Home ViewingFormat: Videocassette - Colour - SoundRuntime: 106 mins Dialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: Warner Home Video
Date: 2012Country: United KingdomRelease type: Home ViewingFormat: DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) - SoundAspect ratio: 2.35:1Runtime: 107 mins Distributor: BFI Video
Date: March 2019Country: United KingdomRelease type: InternetFormat: not specified - Colour - SoundRuntime: 107 mins Dialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: BFIPlayer
Title: shared history of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (1971) and Ken Russell’s The Devils (1971)Author: Melia, MatthewArticle type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Explores the connections between Stanley Kubrick’s 'A Clockwork Orange' (1971) and Ken Russell’s 'The Devils' (1971) using archival research to examine the films as landmark examples of a specific period in British culture. Part of the special issue ’50 years of A Clockwork Orange (1971)'.
In: Journal of British cinema and television v12 n4 2015 Pages: 496-514
Title: Staging the world: The Devils as theatrum mundiAuthor: Van Eecke, ChristopheArticle type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Argues that Ken Russell's 'The Devils' (1971) should be read primarily as an allegory of political power, examining the film's structure as a theatrum mundi (the trope of the world as a stage) and its use of burlesque elements, and commenting on the production design by Derek Jarman. Part of a special issue generated by the conference 'Imagining the Past: Ken Russell, Biography, and the Art of Making History', held in Brussels on 19-20 March 2014.
In: Journal of British cinema and television v12 n4 2015 Pages: 515-538
Title: Witch hunt: the word, the press and The DevilsAuthor: PETLEY, Julian Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Examines how sensational press coverage of the making of Ken Russell's 'The Devils' (1971) may have influenced local councils' decisions on the exhibition of the film, and was used by the Festival of Light organisation to encourage supporters to demand a ban. Also looks at the critical response to the film on its release. Part of a special issue generated by the conference 'Imagining the Past: Ken Russell, Biography, and the Art of Making History', held in Brussels on 19-20 March 2014.
In: Sight and Sound v12 n12 December 2002 Pages: 28-31
Title: Raising hellAuthor: KERMODE, Mark Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Ken Russell's The DEVILS has never been seen as the director intended. Several scenes were entirely cut, including the controversial 'rape of Christ' scene. The missing sequences are detailed although the film is unlikely to be restored.
In: Radio Times v299 n3897 17 Oct 1998 Page: 63
Title: Ooh you are wicked, Mr RussellArticle type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v7 n10 October 1997 Page: 69
Title: Private view: three cuts and you're outAuthor: RUSSELL, Ken Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Director Ken Russell recalls making The DEVILS, including problems with censorship, and his relationship with Derek Jarman who worked on the production design for the film.
In: Premiere v4 n3 April 1996 Pages: 64-68
Title: Habit FormingAuthor: SIKOV, Ed Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A look at various films featuring nuns.
In: Radio Times v285 n3723 27 May 1995 Page: 46
Title: FilmsAuthor: NORMAN, Barry Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Short article discussing the film with regard to it being shown on television
In: Journal of Media Law and Practice v9 n3 September 1988 Page: 121
Title: [Journal of Media Law and Practice - v9 n3 September 1988: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Brief details of the film's banning by Glasgow.
In: Films Illustrated v5 n53 January 1976 Page: 191
Title: [Films Illustrated - v5 n53 January 1976: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review by reader M.G. Sherlock.
In: Cinema TV Today n9982 27 May 1972 Page: 8
Title: [Cinema TV Today - n9982 27 May 1972: no known title]Language: English
Description: Letter referring to the local censoring of the film in Scotland.
In: Today's Cinema n9925 23 Jul 1971 Page: 8
Title: [Today's Cinema - n9925 23 Jul 1971: no known title]Language: English
In: Filmfacts v14 n14 1971 Page: 338
Title: [Filmfacts - v14 n14 1971: no known title]Language: English
In: The Hollywood Reporter v217 n1 9 Jul 1971 Page: 3
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v217 n1 9 Jul 1971: no known title]Language: English
In: Kine Weekly n3328 24 Jul 1971 Page: 11
Title: [Kine Weekly - n3328 24 Jul 1971: no known title]Language: English
In: Variety 14 Jul 1971 Page: 16
Title: [Variety - 14 Jul 1971: no known title]Language: English
In: Photoplay v22 n4 April 1971 Pages: 18-19
Title: Oliver Reed and Mastroianni go bald! for their latest moviesArticle type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Details of The DEVILS, currently in production, and the controversy is generating. Also of SCIPIO IN POMPEII, starring Marcelo Mastroianni, who like The Devil's protagonist Oliver Reed, had to get his head shaved.
In: Films and Filming v17 n12 September 1971 Page: 49
Title: [Films and Filming - v17 n12 September 1971: no known title]Language: English
In: Image et Son n255 December 1971 Pages: 109-119
Title: [Image et Son - n255 December 1971: no known title]Language: French
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v38 n451 August 1971 Pages: 161-162
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v38 n451 August 1971: no known title]Language: English
In: Cinéma n161 December 1971 Pages: 118-124
Title: [Cinéma - n161 December 1971: no known title]Article type: InterviewLanguage: French
Description: Review and interview with director.
In: Rivista del Cinematografo n8/9 Aug/Sep 1971 Page: 390
Title: [Rivista del Cinematografo - n8/9 Aug/Sep 1971: no known title]Language: Italian
Description: Letter by Warner Patriach deploring the showing of the film in his home-town).
In: Movie Maker v5 n10 October 1971 Pages: 650-651
Title: [Movie Maker - v5 n10 October 1971: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Brief article comparing the film to other religious subject films made by Ken Russell, particularly Lourdes.
In: Today's Cinema n9832 18 Aug 1970
Title: [Today's Cinema - n9832 18 Aug 1970: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Credits.
In: Kine Weekly n3280 22 Aug 1970 Page: 12
Title: [Kine Weekly - n3280 22 Aug 1970: no known title]Language: English
Description: On production.
In: Kine Weekly n3283 12 Sep 1970 Page: 12
Title: [Kine Weekly - n3283 12 Sep 1970: no known title]Language: English
Author: Arnold, Darren Pages: 117 pages
Title: Pandaemonium: Ken Russell's artist biographies as baroque performance
Author: Van Eecke, Christophe Pages: 357 pages
Description: Dissertation to obtain the degree of Doctor at Maastricht University and the degree of Docteur en Histoire, Art et Archéologie at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, 2015. Includes a short summary in Dutch.
Title: companion to the horror film
Author: BENSHOFF, Harry M. Pages: xix, 588 pages
Title: Alien sex: the body and desire in cinema and theology
Author: LOUGHLIN, Gerard Pages: xxx, 306 p.
Title: Necronomicon: book four
Author: BLACK, Andy Pages: 192 p.
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(3)
Video materials(2)
Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: C-1583737
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: N-376215
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape
Film materials(1)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 9849 FeetStock date: 1973BFI identifier: C-511372
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Dates: 1971 (Copyright), 30 June 1972 (Release)Countries: USA, United KingdomDirected by: Ken Russell
Synopsis: Set in 17th century France when Richelieu has ordered all self-government of towns to end, the ruler priest of Loudun, Urbane Grandier, is tortured and burnt at the stake for treason and witchcraft, based on the evidence of Sister Jeanne, head of an Ursuline convent, who is sexually obsessed by the priest.
Genre: Drama
Subject: Religion
Releases
Date: 1971Country: United KingdomRelease type: unknownFormat: not specified - Colour - Technicolor - SoundRuntime: 111 mins Length: 9990 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: 1997Country: United KingdomRelease type: Home ViewingFormat: Videocassette - Colour - SoundRuntime: 106 mins Dialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: Warner Home Video
Date: 2012Country: United KingdomRelease type: Home ViewingFormat: DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) - SoundAspect ratio: 2.35:1Runtime: 107 mins Distributor: BFI Video
Date: March 2019Country: United KingdomRelease type: InternetFormat: not specified - Colour - SoundRuntime: 107 mins Dialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: BFIPlayer
Credits
(43)
©: Inc. Warner Bros, Made by: Russo Productions Limited, Presents: Warner Bros., Distributed by: Warner Bros., Produced by: Robert H. Solo, Ken Russell, Associate Producer: Roy Baird, Unit Manager: Graham Ford, Production Manager: Neville C. Thompson, Production Controller: Harry Benn, Assistant Director: Ted Morley, Continuity: Ann Skinner, Screenplay by: Ken Russell, Based on the play 'The Devils' by: John Whiting, And [based] on the book 'The Devils of Loudon' by: Aldous Huxley, Director of Photography: David Watkin, Camera Operator: Ronnie Taylor, Assistant Cameraman: Peter Ewens, Electrical Supervisor: John Swan, Special Effects: John Richardson, Editor: Michael Bradsell, Assistant Editor: Stuart Baird, Art Director: Robert Cartwright, Assistant Art Director: Alan Tomkins, Sets Designed by: Derek Jarman, Set Dresser: Ian Whittaker, Design Consultant: Christopher Hobbs, Property Master: George Ball, Construction Manager: Terry Askey, Costumes Designed by: Shirley Russell, Wardrobe Supervisor: Tiny Nicholls, Chief Make-up: Charles Parker, Chief Hairdresser: Ramon Gow, Music Composed and Conducted by: Peter Maxwell Davies, [Music] Performed by: The Fires of London, [Period Music] Performed by: Early Music Consort of London, Period Music Arranged and Directed by: David Munrow, Choreographer: Terry Gilbert, Sound Recordist: Brian Simmons, Dubbing Editor: Terry Rawlings, Unit Publicist: Geoffrey Freeman, Made at: Pinewood Studios
Cast
(20)
Vanessa Redgrave (Sister Jeanne), Oliver Reed (Father Urbain Grandier), Dudley Sutton (Baron de Laubardemont), Max Adrian (Ibert), Gemma Jones (Madeleine), Murray Melvin (Father Mignon), Michael Gothard (Father Barre), Georgina Hale (Phillipe), Brian Murphy (Adam), Christopher Logue (Cardinal Richelieu), Graham Armitage (Louis XIII), John Woodvine (Trincant), Andrew Faulds (Rangier), Kenneth Colley (Legrand), Judith Paris (Sister Judith), Catherine Willmer (Sister Catherine), Iza Teller (Sister Iza), Imogen Claire, Doremy Vernon, Selena Gilbert ([nun])
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library
(26)
In: Historical journal of film, radio and television v42 n1 March 2022 Pages: 8-23Title: shared history of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (1971) and Ken Russell’s The Devils (1971)Author: Melia, MatthewArticle type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Explores the connections between Stanley Kubrick’s 'A Clockwork Orange' (1971) and Ken Russell’s 'The Devils' (1971) using archival research to examine the films as landmark examples of a specific period in British culture. Part of the special issue ’50 years of A Clockwork Orange (1971)'.
In: Journal of British cinema and television v12 n4 2015 Pages: 496-514
Title: Staging the world: The Devils as theatrum mundiAuthor: Van Eecke, ChristopheArticle type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Argues that Ken Russell's 'The Devils' (1971) should be read primarily as an allegory of political power, examining the film's structure as a theatrum mundi (the trope of the world as a stage) and its use of burlesque elements, and commenting on the production design by Derek Jarman. Part of a special issue generated by the conference 'Imagining the Past: Ken Russell, Biography, and the Art of Making History', held in Brussels on 19-20 March 2014.
In: Journal of British cinema and television v12 n4 2015 Pages: 515-538
Title: Witch hunt: the word, the press and The DevilsAuthor: PETLEY, Julian Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Examines how sensational press coverage of the making of Ken Russell's 'The Devils' (1971) may have influenced local councils' decisions on the exhibition of the film, and was used by the Festival of Light organisation to encourage supporters to demand a ban. Also looks at the critical response to the film on its release. Part of a special issue generated by the conference 'Imagining the Past: Ken Russell, Biography, and the Art of Making History', held in Brussels on 19-20 March 2014.
In: Sight and Sound v12 n12 December 2002 Pages: 28-31
Title: Raising hellAuthor: KERMODE, Mark Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Ken Russell's The DEVILS has never been seen as the director intended. Several scenes were entirely cut, including the controversial 'rape of Christ' scene. The missing sequences are detailed although the film is unlikely to be restored.
In: Radio Times v299 n3897 17 Oct 1998 Page: 63
Title: Ooh you are wicked, Mr RussellArticle type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v7 n10 October 1997 Page: 69
Title: Private view: three cuts and you're outAuthor: RUSSELL, Ken Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Director Ken Russell recalls making The DEVILS, including problems with censorship, and his relationship with Derek Jarman who worked on the production design for the film.
In: Premiere v4 n3 April 1996 Pages: 64-68
Title: Habit FormingAuthor: SIKOV, Ed Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A look at various films featuring nuns.
In: Radio Times v285 n3723 27 May 1995 Page: 46
Title: FilmsAuthor: NORMAN, Barry Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Short article discussing the film with regard to it being shown on television
In: Journal of Media Law and Practice v9 n3 September 1988 Page: 121
Title: [Journal of Media Law and Practice - v9 n3 September 1988: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Brief details of the film's banning by Glasgow.
In: Films Illustrated v5 n53 January 1976 Page: 191
Title: [Films Illustrated - v5 n53 January 1976: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review by reader M.G. Sherlock.
In: Cinema TV Today n9982 27 May 1972 Page: 8
Title: [Cinema TV Today - n9982 27 May 1972: no known title]Language: English
Description: Letter referring to the local censoring of the film in Scotland.
In: Today's Cinema n9925 23 Jul 1971 Page: 8
Title: [Today's Cinema - n9925 23 Jul 1971: no known title]Language: English
In: Filmfacts v14 n14 1971 Page: 338
Title: [Filmfacts - v14 n14 1971: no known title]Language: English
In: The Hollywood Reporter v217 n1 9 Jul 1971 Page: 3
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v217 n1 9 Jul 1971: no known title]Language: English
In: Kine Weekly n3328 24 Jul 1971 Page: 11
Title: [Kine Weekly - n3328 24 Jul 1971: no known title]Language: English
In: Variety 14 Jul 1971 Page: 16
Title: [Variety - 14 Jul 1971: no known title]Language: English
In: Photoplay v22 n4 April 1971 Pages: 18-19
Title: Oliver Reed and Mastroianni go bald! for their latest moviesArticle type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Details of The DEVILS, currently in production, and the controversy is generating. Also of SCIPIO IN POMPEII, starring Marcelo Mastroianni, who like The Devil's protagonist Oliver Reed, had to get his head shaved.
In: Films and Filming v17 n12 September 1971 Page: 49
Title: [Films and Filming - v17 n12 September 1971: no known title]Language: English
In: Image et Son n255 December 1971 Pages: 109-119
Title: [Image et Son - n255 December 1971: no known title]Language: French
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v38 n451 August 1971 Pages: 161-162
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v38 n451 August 1971: no known title]Language: English
In: Cinéma n161 December 1971 Pages: 118-124
Title: [Cinéma - n161 December 1971: no known title]Article type: InterviewLanguage: French
Description: Review and interview with director.
In: Rivista del Cinematografo n8/9 Aug/Sep 1971 Page: 390
Title: [Rivista del Cinematografo - n8/9 Aug/Sep 1971: no known title]Language: Italian
Description: Letter by Warner Patriach deploring the showing of the film in his home-town).
In: Movie Maker v5 n10 October 1971 Pages: 650-651
Title: [Movie Maker - v5 n10 October 1971: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Brief article comparing the film to other religious subject films made by Ken Russell, particularly Lourdes.
In: Today's Cinema n9832 18 Aug 1970
Title: [Today's Cinema - n9832 18 Aug 1970: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Credits.
In: Kine Weekly n3280 22 Aug 1970 Page: 12
Title: [Kine Weekly - n3280 22 Aug 1970: no known title]Language: English
Description: On production.
In: Kine Weekly n3283 12 Sep 1970 Page: 12
Title: [Kine Weekly - n3283 12 Sep 1970: no known title]Language: English
Books held in BFI Reuben Library
(5)
Title: DevilsAuthor: Arnold, Darren Pages: 117 pages
Title: Pandaemonium: Ken Russell's artist biographies as baroque performance
Author: Van Eecke, Christophe Pages: 357 pages
Description: Dissertation to obtain the degree of Doctor at Maastricht University and the degree of Docteur en Histoire, Art et Archéologie at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, 2015. Includes a short summary in Dutch.
Title: companion to the horror film
Author: BENSHOFF, Harry M. Pages: xix, 588 pages
Title: Alien sex: the body and desire in cinema and theology
Author: LOUGHLIN, Gerard Pages: xxx, 306 p.
Title: Necronomicon: book four
Author: BLACK, Andy Pages: 192 p.
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(3)
Video materials(2)
Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: C-1583737
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: N-376215
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape
Film materials(1)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 9849 FeetStock date: 1973BFI identifier: C-511372
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film