Rating: 
Summary: MAYBE IT'S BEST NOT TO KNOW
Review: It even frightens the cynical. Dr. Holden doesn't believe until he almost crosses the line. Maybe it's best not to know, which, thankfully, doesn't invite a sequel. The demon invisible was more horrifying than the demon visible. Maybe it's best not to know.
Rating: 
Summary: The Uncut "Demon"
Review: Jacques Tourneur's "Curse of the Demon" (1958) is a worthy companion piece to the director's "Cat People" (1942) and "I Walked With a Zombie" (1943). Rich in atmosphere and characterization, this British chiller remains among the best of the genre. The Demon's brief appearance was inserted by the producers against Tourneur's wishes, yet it succeeds as a terrifying image. For years, we have been stuck with the 83-minute American version, which was 12 minutes shorter than the British release. However, the video reissue of "Curse of the Demon" now features the original 95-minute print -- a wonderful surprise, since Columbia did not mention this upgrade in its VHS packaging. The result is a must-own for horror buffs.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Scare Here
Review: Director Jacques Tourneur put together a horror film that scares you without showing you a whole lot. Instead of blood and gore, Tourneur builds incredible tension and suspense from the very first moments. Dana Andrews plays a skeptical scientist who journeys to England on a mission to debunk the belief in the Devil and the supernatural. Instead he butts heads with a wildly bizarre cult leader that puts a curse on him. With the help of a young woman, who believes her uncle was killed by the cult leader's curse, Andrews fights to stay alive. Don't expect razzle dazzle special effects, but do expect a few good scares from this well constructed horror/suspense. To tell more would give away too much of the plot, but the tension builds from the picture's midpoint right to the end; it just doesn't let up. Much like Hitchcock, Tourneur creates real terror by setting a mood. We are terrified because the characters are, not because we see heads and limbs chopped off. Suspense and horror buffs will find this film quite enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: Sit back and enjoy
Review: What a discovery this film has been for me! A smart, tightly woven plot centering on the investigation of a Satanist's quest for revenge against doubters and his detractors, is at the core of this timeless B&W film. The only thing dated about this work is that the suspense and thrills are built up with subtlety and smarts and not by a senseless exhibition of gore and violence, although we do start the film with a rather jolting scene that will leave the viewer gaping. Good acting, intensely moody scenes, and terrific special effects (far better than today's CGI) drive this movie to its stunning conclusion.I see here, on this page, some discussion regarding the effects and the appearance of the Demon, and have to say that unless you're looking for glossy, high tech critters, I'm certain any serious fan of horror will be more than pleased with what he or she gets in this film (please don't harp too long on the rubber demon. it's not really worth it when put within the context of the entire film. plus... it ain't really all that bad). We do still, in fact, see some of the effects highlighted in "Curse of the Demon" being used in today's cinema. This movie has made it into my top 10 and gets 4.5 stars from me.
Rating:
Summary: Holds up well
Review: I love Jacques Tourneur and "Curse of the Demon" is one of my favorites. Tourneur directed B films, worked within a restrictive system, and had to deal with measly budgets. And yet he created some of the finest movie gems out there, films that are much more creative and substantial than the "A" features I'm sure they played with. "Curse of the Demon", which I saw again on AMC the other night, begins with these words: "It has been written since the beginning of time, even unto these ancient stones, that evil, supernatural creatures exist in a world of darkness. And it is also said man, using the magic power of the ancient runic symbols, can call forth these powers of darkness - the demons of hell." This is strong stuff, accompanied by a terrific music score and Tourneur plunges us right in the story. Professor Harrington has come to believe that the person he is investigating, Karswell (well played by Niall MacGinnis) is not the charlatan he has promised to expose at an upcoming convention of the supernatural, but the real deal. He rushes to his palatial country house (which has been paid for by his followers), and begs him to "call it off". Harrington apparently had involved Karswell in a public scandal and had taunted him to "do your worst" - a big mistake. Karswell, using the power of the runic symbols, did precisely that and now Harrington is extremely sorry. Unfortunately, "some things are more easily started than stopped" and Karswell tells Harrington he will do what he can (which is nothing). Harrington drives off only to be attacked and killed by the demon Karswell called forth. Dr. John Holden (Dana Andrews) soon arrives to follow up on Professor Harrington's work. He is even more skeptical than Harrington, and states that demonology and witchcraft has been discredited since the Middle Ages; he's written a book on the subject. Holden meets up with Harrington's niece (Peggy Cummins) who isn't so sure and feels he may be in danger. What I really like about "Curse of the Demon" is how the characters debate the supernatural. Dr. Holden likes to say that all good scientists are from Missouri (the "show me" state). He believes in logic and science, but we know right away that science won't help when chemical analysis of a calling card that Karswell gives him (with mysterious disappearing ink) turns up nothing. A distinction is made between Eastern and Western beliefs. When Holden asks the Indian, Dr. Kumar, if he believes this stuff, without a beat Kumar says he does - absolutely. "Curse of the Demon" is well written by Charles Burnett (who wrote a couple of Hitchcock films and received an Academy Award nomination for "Foreign Correspondent"), based on a scholarly story by M.R. James (or so I'm told, I've never read James). The film looks great. And the direction is subtle and artful; Tourneur has never received the acclaim he is due. He has, however, been ripped off from the likes of lesser directors like Paul Schrader.
Rating:
Summary: demonolgy 101
Review: I first saw this movie as a teenager on 8mm film(silent) at a friends house and liked it. Then I saw the actual movie on tv and really liked it. My teenage kids still jump when certain parts are shown, even though they have watched it as much as I have. This makes the movie one of the classic suspenseful thrillers from the '50's. Dana Andrews is one of my favorite old time actors and he doesn't disappoint in this one. I really don't care what the critics say about this movie. It is entertaining, suspensful, and in my opinion very well acted. The special effects are secondary to the story line and the characters. This movie is well worth watching and is one that you can watch over again and still jump at the right moments.
Rating:
Summary: Understated Thiller
Review: Stand by for a real chiller. Hal Chester produced this shocker with precision and care. Its the terrific acting that grabs you and then of course the " unknown" Dana Andrews is fine as he visits England (all British cast) and finds a rather macabre cult driven by black magic? In books and reviews there has been much conversation about the director showing the "demon" at the beginning of the film. Some feel that the demon,s appearance should have been saved for the end of the film..thus building the suspense up even more. No matter, its the acting and pace that make it a real corker.
Rating:
Summary: FREAKING TENSE!
Review: I rented this movie one night based on a great multitude of great reviews it had received online. As I popped the tape in my VCR, I wasn't sure what to expect. Imagine my surprise as I began to watch one of the single greatest horror/suspense films ever made. Everything in this film works, including the "controversial" appearance of the demon at the beginning and end of the film. The performances are quite noteworthy, especially that of the actor who portrayed Karswell. Niall MacGinnis does a great job in humanizing his character and makes sure that Karswell is leaps and bounds beyond the average evil villain in most horror films. Probably my favorite aspect is the fact the film has a film noir quality to it, which suits it fine, since it is a cross between a detective film and a supernatural thriller. It's one of the few films I've seen recently that has made me yell at the characters when they do things that may be understandable, however they are a bit on the unintelligent side. By the way, if you are a fan of this movie, be sure to check out Hammer's The Devil Rides Out, recently released in a widescreen edition by Anchor Bay Entertainment. It contains a similar occult theme, as well as the same level of sheer intensity. Oh, and I don't want to forget the fact that it stars Christopher Lee, is directed by Terence Fisher, and has a screenplay written by Richard Matheson (based on Dennis Wheatley's novel).
Rating:
Summary: so scary, so well done
Review: this film is great. it's really scary. it's really atmospheric. they did everything right in this movie. the best of its genre.
Rating:
Summary: I Enjoyed It SO Much!
Review: I love these wonderfully atmospheric films from yesteryear -- from the '30s to the mid '60s. And "Curse of the Demon" is no exception. All concerned have done a great job translating one of M.R. James' terrific short stories to the screen. (Parenthetical note: When it comes to sophisticated and highly effective terror, is there anyone better than Mr. James?) Two flaws, if I may: The character portrayed by the (underrated) Dana Andrews refuses to accept what's happening to him until almost literally the last minute. This demonstrates obtuseness and indeed stupidity more than scientific scepticism. The second flaw pertains to the film's fright level, which is rather tepid, particularly when compared to films such as "The Uninvited" and especially the original version of "The Haunting." Still, I liked this film very much and do indeed recommend it. P.S. I don't want to miss out on giving my opinion on the presence of the demon: He wasn't necessary, the film probably and certainly arguably would have been better off without him, but he was by no means ruinous.
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