Curse of Myth-Believers!

Curse of the Demon (1957)
Director- Jacques Tourneur
Starring- Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummins, Niall MacGinnis

American Psychologist Dr. John Holden (Andrews) journeys to London to debunk the supposed powers of a devil-worshipping cult lead by charismatic Dr. Julian Karswell (MacGinnis). Upon arrival, he learns that his colleague, Professor Harrington, had been killed near Karswell's home. He meets Harrington's niece, Joanna (Cummins), and together they set out to investigate the professor's death.

During their investigation, Holden accidentally comes into possession of a note, upon which is written a curse informing him of his death. He learns that Harrington was also given such a note, just before he died. The only way, apparently, to release himself from the curse was to give it to the one who gave it to him in the first place.

Acting is typical of a 1950's flick; stiff acting from the men, timidity from the women (though Joanna was very pushy and not willing to let her uncle's death go unnoticed by the authorities). The medium was played well enough, and his transition into different personalities looked natural. The hypnotized patient was also exceptionally effective, even if his part was short-lived.

There are a few suspensful moments when Holden is trying to trick Karswell into taking the note--it's actually a little entertaining to watch Karswell's paranoia grow as he refuses Holden's offer to even shake hands.

The demon itself was done surprisingly well for 1950's special effects technology. It's pretty creepy and foreboding. The greatest part of the movie comes close to the end, when Karswell is fleeing the presence of the demon himself, and before we see any horrors, a train comes screaming past, cutting off our view of Karswell.

The only thing that really bothered me about this movie was that Holden was the only rational one there. He conversed with other "professors" about Karswell, and they all tended to agree that there was something supernaturally sinister about him. Men of science should never imply that some things can't be explained.

Rating: 3.5/5 Bonedaddies.