The Hellfire Club (film)

The Hellfire Club is a 1961 film inspired by the historical Hellfire Club, Sir Francis Dashwood's infamous 'gentlemen's' society of the 18th century. It starred Keith Michell and featured Peter Cushing in a cameo as enigmatic attorney Mr Merryweather.

The Hellfire Club
Directed byRobert S. Baker
Monty Berman
Written byLeon Griffiths
Jimmy Sangster
Produced byRobert S. Baker
Monty Berman
StarringKeith Michell
CinematographyRobert S. Baker
Monty Berman
Edited byFrederick Wilson
Music byClifton Parker
Distributed byRegal Films International (UK)
Embassy Pictures (US)
Release date
February 1961 (1961-02)
Running time
94 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

According to the film, the club was famed for its depravity, debauchery, and devil worship. Although not a Hammer Films production, there are visual similarities. The script was co-written by Jimmy Sangster, and co-stars Hammer regulars Miles Malleson and Francis Matthews.

Cast edit

Reception edit

Glenn Erickson claims that the film did good box-office when released in America, on the back of publicity (such as a Playboy photo-spread) that suggested more nudity and adult content than actually appeared in any U.S. prints.[1]

In a 2012 review, Time Out calls the film "Surprisingly light on debauchery and occasionally perhaps too jocular for its own good" but praises Michell's performance.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ Erickson, Glenn (12 August 2001). "DVD Savant Review: The Flesh and the Fiends". DVD Savant. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  2. ^ "The Hellfire Club". Time Out. 11 September 2012. Retrieved 17 February 2024.

External links edit