The Evil (1978 film)

Lore & Background

The plot centers on psychiatrist C.J. Arnold, who buys an abandoned mansion once owned by Civil War general Emilio Vargas, built over hot sulfur pits. He plans to set up a drug rehab center and recruits volunteers to clean the house. Soon, his wife Dr. Caroline Arnold senses a ghostly presence, and strange events begin. C.J. discovers a trapdoor in the basement and unknowingly unleashes a menacing spirit, trapping everyone inside as doors and windows lock. The group discovers the trapdoor is a gateway to Hell. Volunteers die in various ways: one spontaneously combusts, another saws through his own hand, a dog attacks a woman, and others are killed by the entity or by accidents. Caroline finds an iron cross that drives possessed people back to consciousness. Eventually, Caroline becomes possessed by Vargas, who reveals he had sacrificed a caretaker as a warning. C.J. and Caroline descend into the pit, confront the Devil, and escape by sealing the pit, after which the house unlocks and they flee.

Reader's Guide

The Evil received mixed critical response. Variety praised its psychological insight and the performances of Crenna and director Trikonis, noting the final confrontation with the Devil played by Victor Buono. Linda Gross of the Los Angeles Times called it a scary and atmospheric thriller with excruciating suspense. Bob Keaton of the Fort Lauderdale News found the plot familiar but enjoyable for genre fans. However, Patrick Taggart of the Austin American-Statesman criticized it as yet another old-mansion horror film, with bored actors and tedium elevated by Trikonis's direction. Daniel Ruth of The Tampa Tribune deemed it unoriginal and tasteless, with gratuitous bloodletting. The film was released theatrically in spring 1978, beginning March 8 in San Francisco, and was filmed at Montezuma Castle in New Mexico.

Did You Know?

• The plot involves a mansion built over hot sulfur pits that serves as a gateway to Hell.
• Victor Buono played the Devil in the final scenes.