The Devils

The Devils

Ken Russell helms this graphic 1971 adaptation of a documented witchcraft case, which took place in France in 1634. Outspoken priest Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed) finds himself accused of seducing a group of hysterical nuns while in demon form by Mother Superior Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave), who is obsessed with Grandier and driven into a fit of envy when he marries another woman. With the involvement of charismatic exorcist Father Barre (Michael Gothard), the affair turns into a sordid mass exorcism of the tainted convent.

With much controversy surrounding its subject matter of religion combined with violence and sex, many cuts were made to the film in order for it to attain certification.