Tigon's, Blood on Satan's Claw seemed the staple of late night television programing, when I was a young lad. Many times (long before my Mum and Dad would succumb to their children's badgering to get a video) I remember staying up to watch this truly unnerving film. I just couldn't resist it's charm. Anyway, on with the synopsis.

A 17th Century rural community becomes the breading ground for a devil worshiping cult of youngsters, when the big guy's skull is unearthed (his claw does feature too). The Village Judge (not being a believer in that sort of thing) dismisses any cries of "Witchcraft", and continues to smoke his pipe. In order to bring about the physical manifestation of Mr Satan, the villagers have to sacrifice body parts. Which seems to mostly mean growing unsightly patches of hair in awkward places (Mind you that's just the lucky one's, I pity the poor sod who had to be the host for Satan's cock). As soon as things start to get a bit hot under the collar, the Judge decides it's time to bugger off, leaving the village idiot in charge. In doing so, the rural community turns into inner-city Bradford. With child stripping, and murder replacing rioting. The unruly youngsters have a field day, until finally the Judge is persuaded to venture back. Strange that while everything has been going to pot in the village, he seems to have been having a great old time, in the city. Oh I'm sorry, I forgot he was studying a book on witchcraft. It's very taxing work you know.

The Devil has by now appeared and is just one leg away from his physical peak (Luckily he is kept under a cloak for the majority of the film, because to be honest a stretched Ewok does not a scary monster make). Unfortunately for the Behemoth (as he is known to his friends) the Judge and gang, are hiding in the bushes with a F-off big sword. So with a very nice bit of slow motion action (and face pulling by the Judge), Satan is served up as a Turkish delicacy, and all the boys and girls snap out of their naughty devil trances. The only person not accounted for is Frank Spencer's wife, but she's got enough to worry about, what with the cat doing a shit in Franks beret. So we'll leave her to it.

I know it doesn't sound very frightening, but I'm not very good at writing serious reviews. So for those who have seem it, you know what I'm talking about, and for those who haven't, just check it out. You'll love it particularly if you're into atmospherics, and church nudity. What a combination.

aka Satan's Skin
aka Devil's Touch, The
aka Satan's Claw

Directed: Piers Haggard

Linda Hayden Content:
The general consensus seems to be that the devil worshiping Angel Blake is Linda's best role, and on the whole, who am I to argue. She plays the part excellently, with just the right amount of innocence, evil, and seduction. You could say her 'country bumpkin' accent is a bit erratic at times, and she does have wear a bed sheet for far too much of the film. Even these small points never manage to detract from overall quality of the performance. Angel's character quickly develops into a powerful force. It's great when she coyly tells of the Vicar's alleged extra curricular activities. Then while being comforted by her Father, raises her eye brow in a particularly evil way, knowing full well she has everyone fooled. She holds court very effectively in the ruined church, and is very believable as the central link between the cult of followers, and the shadowy Satan. There are some over the top touches, like her licking the blood covered blade, but it at least emphasizes the devilish hold that is on her.

The only real crime is the swift way in which her character is killed off. It's a big anticlimax, considering the major role Angel Blake has had in the rest of the film. It would have been much more effective if she had sacrificed herself to save her master. She should have come between the Judges sword and Satan, and so both being skewered together.

Final Comments:
I don't know if this is a stupid comment or not, but when was the red house brick first produced? There are many points in the film where bricks blatantly appear in shot, but I'm sure they weren't round in the 17th Century. A small niggle I know, but the funeral scene could have been shot in such away, as to obscure the huge brick grave, in the foreground.

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