Last night I convinced my girlfriend Angelique to watch my favorite creature / horror movie of all time. She hates them but endured.

We turned on the projector and the black and white images cast across the 120" screen. Sound as cranked up as far as you can for Dolby mono.

95 minutes later she was in awe. She simply loved and was engaged for the entire film.

I think that "Night of the Demon" from 1958 is the greatest horror movie ever made. It scared the crap out of me when I saw it as a thirteen year old and each time I watch it, I'm more impressed.

It's a subtle film grounded in suspense rather than shock or slasher killings. The idea is - how will you be effected if you're told you're going to die in 48 hours thanks to witchcraft.

The lead character is a cynic who goes from cynicism to pure terror - as the clock ticks.

The black and white cinematography is a revelation, full of great angles, perfect thirds and deep, deep blacks.

The film came out as a B movie 50 years ago supporting a Hammer sequel. The director fought the studio over the portrayal of the demon. It was released in the US as a severely edited bastardization called "Curse of the Demon".

It sits at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and is revered by horror critics.

What say you?
Rob

How I'd love to see this movie... I'll move it to the front of the list, promised.

Excellent recommendation and film, Rob. For anyone who hasn't seen it yet you can add my word as well that it's one of the best (although I wouldn't say the best. Carnival of Souls, Peeping Tom and Dawn of the Dead all top it for me) horror films ever made. If you'd like to add a little pedigree to the recommendation, the directior, Jacques Tourner, was also responsible for Val Lewton's Cat People, arguably the first American movie to introduce the "atmosphere over scares" concept. Again, I fully support your recommendation Rob. See this one, people!

Woo hoo - I was waiting to be skinned alive by Freddy, Norman and Jason fans

Even if you don't consider it to be the best 9which is sooooo subjective) you're gonna discover a great movie

Rob

Can't wait to see a review - but please read nothing about it.

It's best seen completely without knowledge, hence my deliberately vague commentary

Rob

This airs tonight on TCM

And I thought Rob came back.

I say that you should NEVER EVER use RottenTomatoes for a movie made before the 1990s. But I am intrigued by your bold statement.

This is one of my favorite horror movies so I have no problem with your statement. What I'm wondering is whether I've only seen the edited version.

The version that airs tonight is the unedited version, despite being listed as 'Curse of the Demon'

Both versions are on the same dvd.

Just set the DVR to record. Thanks for the bump, calvero.