Speak of the Devil

My review was written in June 1991 after watching the film on AIP video cassette.

Part satire of televangelists, part old-fashioned horror movie, "Speak of the Devil" is a hokey mishmash for hard-up video fans.

Filmmaker Raphael Nussbaum did a much better job with a densely plotted B "Private Road", toplining George Kennedy. Here he's helming a no-name cast and filming in a low-budget style reminiscent of '60s softcore exploitation ventures.

Robert Elarton and Jean Miller play the poverty row Jim and Tammy Bakker, Southern evangelists run out of town during a lengthy prolog in which papa George (Buck) Flower interrupts a tv broadcast to present his daughter whom Elarton impregnated.

The duo flee to Hollywood where they rent a haunted house and decide to take up satanism. Their new ministry is particularly lucrative, especially with the devil himself looking out for their interests.

Okay monster effects by James Cummins (who recently directed "The Boneyard") highlight the pic. Weakest element is the recurring character of a rabbi who acts like a Jewish exorcist. When a cop disciple of the rabbi blows a shofar to combat the devil at the film's climax, it's clear Nussbaum has overdone it.

Acting is over the top, closer to farce than necessary. Film keeps intact the poor track record of features pegged to recent scandals involving tv preachers.

SPEAK OF THE DEVIL is one of the most unusual films ever made. There are so many sub plots going on only the brilliant will get it. It is the only film Robert Elarton (one of the most beautiful men in the world) ever made. Do not be fooled by its simplistic nature on the surface.The concepts of good and evil are fought out in the soul of Johna Johnson(Robert Elarton). When he finally comes to terms with the reality of his humanness, he has paid a heavy price. His temptations were never enough to take him to a place where he can never recover, but they indeed change his life forever. This is a must see for detective film lovers. One of the greatest films ever made.

I thought this film was great I just wish I could find it on DVD somewhere everywhere I go no one has even heard of this film so hopefully ill get it one day.I haven't seen this film in years and I would love to see it again even buy it on DVD...so if anyone knows where I can buy the film please let me know...the story I think was a great idea yes it was a bit tacky but loads of films are and they are great and become so called legend films.. I hear they are making a remake so I hope they do it justice and make it a good film with what they can do with films now days I surely hope so and not make it a Hollywood ending..cause I am sick and tired of having a really great film and just cause they are running out of time rush the ending and make it a stupid ending..not everybody needs to live why not have everyone die.

After a mishap, a phony evangelist and his wife chose a more lucrative business - opening a satanist's convent ! In fact they do so well that they get in touch with the Horned One who sends them a little demon to do their biddings. As a satire of pseudo-evangelists, this one is pretty funny. The film plays on its own cheesiness by presenting us a 100% cardboard demon ! But the movie seems to lose steam in the middle, losing all sort of coherence leading to a conventional ending. Worth a look-see if you are curious,

According to comments posted this would appear to be a very funny film.Even though I played an officer in the film I have yet to see it.During the filming we at times would break out laughing due to the funny scenes. I have attempted to purchase the video and thus keep it as a memento, however, it has been to no avail. I would love to know where this film can be located. When I read the script my first thoughts were,what? But as I continued reading I realized what the writer was trying to convey. Upon completion of said project,and subsequent comments by some of the cast, it appeared to me that the film would be well received.During the filming Mr. Nussbaum was very encouraging and helpful to those of who were first timers with respect to the film industry.