The Blood on Satan's Claw

1971
R
1h 37m

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

8.1K

YOUR RATING

In seventeenth-century England, the children of a village slowly convert into a coven of Devil worshipers.

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49 Photos

Folk Horror Horror

In early 18th century England, the children of a village slowly convert into a coven of devil worshipers.In early 18th century England, the children of a village slowly convert into a coven of devil worshipers.In early 18th century England, the children of a village slowly convert into a coven of devil worshipers.

Director
- Piers Haggard
Writers
- Robert Wynne-Simmons
- Piers Haggard
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

8.1K

YOUR RATING

Director
- Piers Haggard
Writers
- Robert Wynne-Simmons
- Piers Haggard
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Isobel Banham
(as Avice Landon)

Robin Davies

Mark Vespers

Peter Ardran

The Devil
(uncredited)

John Ash

Coven member
(uncredited)

Peter Avella

Villager
(uncredited)

John Clifford

Villager
(uncredited)

Les Conrad

Villager
(uncredited)

Director
- Piers Haggard
Writers
- Robert Wynne-Simmons
- Piers Haggard
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
The film was originally conceived as three stories that would play out separately, but all have the unearthed remains of Satan being the linking factor between them. The stories of Peter Edmonton and his mad fiance, the possessed village children, and the Judge's battle with evil were all at first supposed to take place independently. However, when the script was rewritten, it was decided that the plots should be combined to create one central story.

Goofs
There are two spelling errors in the opening titles: the production company is called Tigron instead of Tigon (in the copyright notice beneath the main title), and screen veteran James Hayter is billed as James Hoyter.

Quotes
The Judge: I give you His Catholic Majesty King James III, may God bless him and keep him in exile

Crazy credits
The date on the opening credits is 1970, despite the 1971 release.

Alternate versions
The UK cinema version was cut by the BBFC to edit the rape scene and shots of a naked girl dancing in front of a knife-wielding boy. The cuts were fully restored in the 2003 Anchor Bay DVD release.

Connections
Featured in Elvira's Movie Macabre: Blood on Satan's Claw (1982)

User reviews103

Review

Featured review

Better than Witchfinder General!

Quite simply, 'Blood On Satan's Claw' is the finest horror film produced in Britain in the Seventies. Haunting, horrific and hopelessly compelling it deserves far greater recognition than it currently warrants. Linda Hayden, the most talented actress working in British exploitation films at the time, delivers her finest performance in the film, and it is one light years ahead of the standard in the genre. Patrick Wymark, in his last film role, is also excellent, and music, direction and art direction are all of an exceptionally high standard. Interestingly, the film was shot as 'The Devil's Touch', and originally released late in 1970 as 'Satan's Skin'. For some reason business wasn't too good and it was rereleased the following year on a more succesful double bill with 'The Beast In The Cellar'. Don't miss it!