MovieChat Forums > To the Devil a Daughter (1976) Discussion > NOT satisfying (possible spoilers)

NOT satisfying (possible spoilers)

posted 19 years ago by morganseer
20 replies | jump to latest

A woman gives birth to an evil spawn, and dies. Another woman is chosen to uptake the spawn into her body, thereby to become its avatar. Consciously believing she is a nun, the child is programmed to fulfill a sinister prophecy driven by a renegade priest. Her father is helpless to protect her, but has a knowledgeable acquaintance who will go to great lengths to intervene on her behalf.

This is not a satisfying film. It consists of a confused plot that leads nowhere, and leaves you with an empty spot in your belly when it's all over. The acting isn't bad, but the script lacks soul.

[–] gakk2590 19 years ago

aww. The film upset you? Tough. It did it's job then. When a movie leaves you feeling empty, you know you won't forget it.

You'll do and You'll die

[–] morganseer 13 years ago

by gakk2590 (Thu Sep 29 2005 16:21:56)

"aww. The film upset you? Tough. It did it's job then. When a movie leaves you feeling empty, you know you won't forget it."

HUH?

[–] The_Dying_Flutchman 18 years ago

Nowhere near as rancid as remake of Wicker Man. Putrescent in extremis.

Nothing exists more beautifully than nothing.

[–] maverick-media 18 years ago

It’s not muddled or confusing, but when you get to the nub of the matter (good vs evil) it finishes as it should. BTW the book is better.

http://www.maverick-media.co.uk

[–] vikingmage 18 years ago

The final confrontation could have been much more climatic ... but then if you compare it to the recent teen/wicca/magic opus THE COVENANT were the final battle between goodie teen heart throb wicca teen and baddie heart throb wicca teen plays out like a naff videogame then the TO THE DEVIL A DAUGHTER plays out with menace and genuine chills.

Can't believe that a simple rock to the head takes Chris Lee out (and naturally the influx of evil spirits don't help none!)

That movie has warped my fragile little mind.

[–] Woodyanders 18 years ago

I gottta disagree here. I thought this was a quite good, but pretty flawed movie. The ending should have had more punch to it, but the gradual and suspenseful build-up to said ending is still strong and compelling. Moreover, both Richard Widmark and Christopher Lee were excellent in their roles. The supporting cast was likewise terrific: Natassja Kinski, Denholm Elliott and Honor Blackman.

Don't expect much and you will never be disappointed.

[–] jnrazic 17 years ago

I remember reading somewhere that there was an alternative ending shot in which Lee was devoured by demons for killing the demon, but it ended up on the cutting room floor apparantly. I wonder if it still exists, I'd love to see that scene.

[–] I_donthavefb_lol 17 years ago

It's a crashing bore. I agree with you that the extremely vague and pedestrian script, not the acting, is at fault here. The best thing to come out of it was a memorable track by Ming Star called To the Devil a Donut.

http://www.emusic.com/album/Ming-Star-King-of-Woolworths-MP3-Download/ 10776386.html?fref=150051

[–] nigel_woodhouse-1 16 years ago

A 17 year old (or younger) Nastasjja Kinski going full frontal ? That certainly satisfied me !

[–] sexy_dancer 16 years ago

More like 15. Still satisfied? Yuck.

[–] Pharaoh-in-de-Nile 16 years ago

15 is bioloically an adult. Just under the age of consent in some countries. In most of Europe 15 is the age of consent.

"Nothings gonna change my world!"

[–] sexy_dancer 16 years ago

So you're happy to get a woody for a 15 year old girl then?

[–] ContinentalOp 16 years ago

"So you're happy to get a woody for a 15 year old girl then?"

Most people outside of the US would be.

"Jai Guru Deva, Om"

[–] sexy_dancer 16 years ago

Yeah? Name some.

[–] jlam888 (625) a year ago

She was 14 actually. Definitely looked older.

[–] onnanob2 16 years ago

Not only is it not satisfying, it's also not very memorable. I saw "To The Devil A Daughter" almost 30 years ago when it was shown on HBO, and the only thing I could remember about the film was that it showed pubic hair. I found a cheap used copy, and watched it again last night. I didn't remember anything I was seeing (except the pubic hair), and nothing even seemed vague. I think it says something when a movie can only be remembered for its nudity. By the way, I always felt the nudity was unnecessary.

[–] eolloe 13 years ago

I agree with the OP. This film was very unsatisfying.

The problems begin with the very first scene: We are supposed to believe that the Church excommunicates a renegade priest with him standing calmly in attendance during the ceremony?

The underlying premise of the story was just too confusing, as it was presented in the film: too many births/re-births. Inartful weaving of dream-states and reality.

Anyone who suggests that this film has anything on The Exorcist or The Omen, short of Kinski's beauty, is nuts, or maybe had prior knowledge of the plot (from the book? from interviews or reviews?) in advance of seeing the film.