Cast
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Richard Crenna
as Mike Barry
Yvette Mimieux
as Betty Barry
Kim Richards
as Bonnie Barry
Ike Eisenmann
as Charlie Barry
Victor Jory
as Shaman
Lou Frizzell
as George
Ken Kercheval
as Miles Amory
R.G. Armstrong
as Dunworth
Martine Beswick
as Red-Haired Lady
Bob Navarro
as Newscaster
Lois Ursone
as Gloria Hadley
Jerry Fogel
as Doctor Norm
Warren Munson
as Superintendent
Tina Menard
as Maria
Kevin McKenzie
as Joe
Crew
Director
- Curtis Harrington
Writer
- Steven Karpf
- Elinor Karpf
Producer
- Lou Morheim
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/TV Movie film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Curtis Harrington brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1978, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 111 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Les Misérables, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Funny Games and The Darkness explore similar territory, Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 31, 1978
- Runtime: 1h 35m
Where to Watch
