User reviews

Sounds like a natural -- a 70s female vampire opus from 60s erotica master Joseph Sarno. His best suburban exposés of the Eisenhower/Kennedy era featured smatterings of the occult, and one would think that the loosening of standards would set his art free. Don't get your hopes up too high, though. First of all, Sarno's favoured technique is to build up tension between characters using short dialogue scenes -- but here, the thick German accents and stiff acting render the script unfathomable. And Sarno doesn't really have the intense visual style (at least not with this cinematographer) requisite of the genre, despite the authentic Bavarian castle background. Nonetheless, Sarno fans will be amused by the recycling of his favourite tropes (candles, bongo drums, ceremonial chants and dances, carnal compulsion and betrayal), and vampiric completists may be amused by his idiosyncratic and more realistic take on bloodlust conventions. Just don't expect a lost masterpiece, and be prepared to put some effort into the viewing.

I bought "The Devil's Plaything" under the alternative title "Vampire Ecstasy" uncut on British DVD release, set in a German castle it is a tale of vampires, rituals and lots of sex. I won't beat about the bush (pun intended, ha, ha!) but this is a soft core skin flick dressed up as a horror movie. Erotic horror if you like, director Joseph Sarno was apparently one of the pioneers of this sub genre. The Gothic castle is set amongst beautiful German mountain scenery, impressive but the female vampires seem immune to sunlight (though not garlic or crosses), and there's not a set of fangs in sight. Barely any blood either. The cast consists of European actors who appear to have been speaking in English. If this were the case then credit to them for doing this, however their performances do come across as very wooden and would probably have been better filmed in German with English subtitles or dubbed into English. Apart from a disfigured, creepy male servant all of the cast get naked and this probably makes up about half of the move's running time. The sexy female vampires perform rituals in the castle's dungeon, gyrating to a repetitive drumbeat and doing suggestive things with phallic shaped candles! There are also several sex scenes though nothing of the hardcore variety. My problem is that after a while this just became very repetitive and lost its eroticism, not helped by a running time of 103 minutes. As a horror movie this is lame, as a European sexploitation flick then it's worth a look.

Joe Sarno has never quite achieved the respect or notoriety of other sex/genre directors like Jess Franco or Russ Meyer largely because he was a very workman-like director without a really distinctive style of his own. However, unlike Franco, who only made movies in Europe, or Meyer, who only made movies in America, Sarno was able to go back and forth across the Atlantic making low-budget classics like "Sin in the Suburbs" in the US and "Inga" and "Young Playthings" in Europe. Like Franco and Meyer, he definitely had an eye for pretty girls. In America he helped discover several bra popping ingénues like Uschi Digart, Marsha Jordan, and Audrey Landers while in Sweden he discovered some truly impressive beauties like Marie Lillejahl, Christine Lindberg, and the star of this picture, Maria Forse.

Forse, the only Swede in an otherwise German cast, plays a schoolgirl who is lured with her friend to a remote castle as part of some plot by a coven of witches/vampires to snare a brother and sister in order that they can resurrect the siblings' ancestor, a long dead witch (or something like that). Her friend becomes a vampire while she falls in love with the brother. Much nudity, ritualistic dancing, and softcore groping ensues. The plot really isn't that important though--this is another European film where the producers apparently had access to an old castle and some actresses willing to disrobe so they decided to make a movie. The results kind of resemble a Jean Rollins film like "Requiem for a Vampire" but less arty, or a Renato Polselli like "The Reincarnation of Isabel" but less insane. It's more a sex film than a horror film, but interestingly, judging from some of the footage in the DVD supplements, Retroseduction did not include the strongest possible cut sex-wise. This is probably just as well as this barely qualifies as horror film as it is. If you want to see a pure Sarno sex film I'd recommend either the arty but barely legal (if that) Swedish film "Inga" or the godawful American bored housewife romp "Pleasures of Woman" (which Retroseduction also recently released on DVD-- along with a shot-by-shot "remake" with their in-house silicone cyborg girls just in case you want to watch it twice). Pick your poison.

Next to the very hard-to-find "Young Playthings", this is probably Sarno's best film though--for whatever that's worth

Well, there you have it, another disillusion on my account. Two, actually! First of all, even though I like to think of myself that I know a little something about 70's euro-exploitation and its most prolific contributors, I never heard about Joseph W. Sarno before. Here's a guy who made over seventy rancid and cult-laden exploitation movies and I haven't seen a single one! How? Why? What happened here? Secondly, and even worse, just when you think to have found a new source for obscure cult movies, that director's most famous and supposed "masterpiece" turns out to be an irredeemably dull and irritating film. Admittedly, lesbian vampire movies form a pretty insignificant sub genre as a whole, but some of them bath in ominous atmosphere and curious sensuality (like José Larraz' "Vampyres" or Harry Kümmel's "Daughters of Darkness"). Joseph Sarno's film has nothing to offer, except copious amounts of gratuitous nudity and even that becomes boring rather quickly. The events take place in a secluded old castle, hidden deep in the German mountains, where five centuries ago lived a malicious and bloodthirsty (literally) baroness. Her loyal disciples still throw naked dance parties in the castle's catacombs, which are lit by penis-shaped candles…AUCH, and hope to resurrect the baroness any time soon now. Suddenly (don't even ask how) the castle is full of young and sexy female guests, so even more erotic rites ensue. Sounds delicious and entertaining enough, but "The Devil's Plaything" contains a massive number of sequences where literally nothing happens and where the cast members' ignorant facial expressions are simply unendurable! Sarno isn't capable of creating suspense or building a Gothic atmosphere (or maybe he just didn't bother to) and the actresses' capacities restrict themselves to standing in front the camera topless and pull a really pathetic face. Please do yourself a favor: no matter how desperately you strive to see all lurid lesbian-vampire movies of the 70's, this one isn't worth a penny! Even the repertoires of Jess Franco and Jean Rollin are pure art compared to this dud.

A group of young travellers converge on a remote German castle where the occupants try to resurrect a centuries old vampiress by using a descendant as the host for her spirit.

As written and directed by prolific adult film maker Joseph W. Sarno, The Devil's Plaything unsurprisingly suffers from a dreadful plot and crap performances, and delivers loads of (unexplicit) nudity and sex, opening as it means to go on with a protracted naked lesbian hippy Satanic ritual in which the participants are felt up by their leader. Precisely what they are hoping to achieve by this practice is unclear, but it's fun to watch, nonetheless. Sadly, as the film progresses, and the story becomes harder to follow (not helped by the strong accents of its mostly German cast), the repetitive scenes of gyrating naked women actually become extremely boring, even when they introduce multi-coloured penis-shaped candles into the mix.

More nudity and random sexual acts are provided by the castle's young guests, including a couple having a roll in the hay, and a woman satisfying herself with a candle (NOT penis shaped, but it still does the trick). Somehow, though, Sarno manages to make all of this deviancy about as exciting as a documentary on watercress farming in the Meon Valley.

... than this has a lot of Horror in it! Like almost way too much of it. Full frontal and everything. There is no explicit intercourse being shown, but other than that it feels like at least 50% of the movie plays in the nude. A lot of women who may not be able to convince you of their characters motivation, but seem to be able to convince others to obey them (through singing as is suggested and their bare bodies).

I wonder if some thought: who needs Viagra, when you can chant and make people horny just like that. Of course Viagra was not a thing back then. But Horror movies were. Not that there is much evidence of that here. I mean it get eerie from time to time, but this puts the Horror mantle on to let you watch a soft-core movie and not feel bad about it. Here's the thing: you can have fun with this, because it's so bad it gets entertaining. You can't be prude (I think I thoroughly established that) and don't expect too much Horror out of it ... Fancy an ... old castle with hot women dying to get into your pants? (on a serious note: the best thing is the location itself, really puts value to the whole thing)

Well the story is a little hard to follow the first time, but that's only because of all the bare breasted '70s painted-up vampire/witches dancing to the bongo drums. This of course interrupted by a few vampiric orgies. And there are some very interesting candles and uses for them. And for girl on girl action, vampiric or not...this movie just rocks!!!

This masterpiece of lesbian horror comes from exploitation master Joseph W.Sarno.It features plenty of soft core sex,really hot lesbian sequences plus a lot of naked women.The acting is pretty good and the film is quite atmospheric and well-made.Marie Forsa is one of the hottest chicks I have ever seen in a horror movie-it's a visual pleasure to see her wonderful body.Sarno really knows how to pick up hot looking ladies.A must see for fans of sexploitation!

"Vampire Ecstasy," ( aka "Devil's Plaything") released in 1973, is a gem in the realm of cult erotic horror cinema. This film, directed by Joseph W. Sarno, stands out for its unique blend of sensuality and the supernatural, offering an unconventional take on the vampire genre.

One of the most striking aspects of "Vampire Ecstasy" is its artistry. Sarno's direction brings an almost dreamlike quality to the film, with lush visuals and a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack that creates an entrancing and immersive experience. The cinematography is seductive, and the use of lighting and shadows adds a mysterious allure to the story.

The film also stands out for its alluring and charismatic cast. Marianne Prevost, as Countess Nadine, delivers a captivating performance with a mesmerizing blend of sensuality and a hint of menace. She's supported by a cast that's equally engaging, bringing to life a world of decadence and desire.

What truly sets "Vampire Ecstasy" apart is its approach to the vampire mythos. It's not your typical fang-and-blood horror story. Instead, it explores the erotic and psychological elements of the vampire legend, making it a distinctive and daring entry in the genre. The film delves into themes of lust, power, and seduction, making it an exploration of human desires in a way that few vampire films do.

The pacing of the film is deliberate, allowing the audience to savor the tension and build-up of desire. It's a slow burn that immerses you in its world, making each revelation and twist all the more intriguing. The film's narrative is intricate and unpredictable, keeping you engaged from start to finish.

In conclusion, "Vampire Ecstasy" is a captivating and alluring entry into the world of erotic horror cinema. It dares to explore the darker aspects of human desire and the supernatural, wrapped in a beautifully crafted package. If you're a fan of artful and unconventional horror that pushes boundaries and challenges traditional genre conventions, this film is a must-see. It's an erotic and atmospheric journey into the realm of the undead that will leave you both fascinated and bewitched.

Yet another sapphic blood cult's on the loose in an old castle as the female descendants of a sixteenth-century vampire get together to receive their sanguine inheritance. There's also a brother & sister whose car break down, a Mrs. Danvers-type housekeeper, garlic crosses, puncture wounds on the neck, and other familiar horror trope in this CARMILLA-esque yarn that's short on hetero coupling and long on lesbianism and incest. Sarno borrowed Mario Bava's colored lights as well as the plot of BLACK Sunday (more-or-less) to spotlight a castle full of T&A, mostly from a naked coven, and even has a woman getting her clothes torn off by bats. From an American director who filmed in Germany to make the very essence of Eurotrash.

Vampire Ecstasy (1973)

* (out of 4)

The beautiful Helga (Marie Forsa) arrives at a mysterious castle with a dark past and soon she is being seduced by the lesbian vampire (Nadia Henkowa) who was put to death four-hundred years earlier.

Director Joseph W. Sarno made a handful of films in Germany and this here is one of them. I haven't seen too many of Sarno's films but I've enjoyed what I've seen but sadly that's not the case here as I found this film to be quite horrid. It's also known as VEIL OF BLOOD, THE DEVIL'S PLAYTHING and several other titles and it's also available in a shorter 85-minute version as well as the 104-minute version, which is what I watched.

There are all sorts of problems with this film and the running time is certainly the major one. Whenever a film is this slow and boring an extended running time is never what you want to see and sadly this film really does seem like it's longer than THE GODFATHER trilogy. This thing just drags and drags and then drags some more and not once does anything make any sense. Obviously there a lesbian cult looking for new members but the scenes never add up to anything and they just last too long.

Another problem is that the pacing is awful and I can't help but think the shorter version must have played better. Forsa would appear in a couple other Sarno pictures and she's certainly the best thing about the film and keeps it from being a BOMB. The film offers up plenty of softcore sex and lots of beautiful women but even this grows boring after a while. The castle does look beautiful and the locations are also terrific to look at but overall this film is really bad.

As has been suggested by others, this is rather disappointing. I've enjoyed all the films of Joseph Sarno, that I've seen and I suppose the most attractive common denominator in the US ones is the normalcy. If not in the characters, necessarily then certainly in the way that the sexual activity is shot, there is a certain frisson for the viewer because we believe into the activity. Here with a vampire tale we are already somewhat distanced and the way this is shot (more like a witch's tale than vampire one) this has to be fantasy. So, vigorous, though the sex is and effective though it is, the one thing it lacks is believability. There are some decent scenes and much nudity but this is no great shakes as a vampire movie - we don't even get a bloody bite till over an hour in - instead there are the constant comings and goings of the coven, sorry vampire lair, and just occasional scenes of visceral action.

Sometimes it's not until after you've started watching a movie that you realize just what it is that you've committed to. I'll say this for filmmaker Joseph W. Sarno, he doesn't make any bones about what type of picture this is; from the opening scene we're treated to gleeful nudity, and this will prove to be the primary constant through 'The devil's plaything' (also known as 'Vampire ecstasy'). Plot is a concern no more than secondary to eroticism; where that plot is given treatment the storytelling is very direct, but it is pushed to the corners to instead chiefly spotlight horror happenings of various strength, slight atmosphere, and above all female nudity, and sensuality of a primarily sapphic variety. It's more than a little cheesy, dubious, and exploitative, is sometimes downright laughable in its self-seriousness, and is at least as likely if not more so to raise a quizzical eyebrow rather than inspire the intended heat. Despite all that, though, it's also arguably more successful as a horror flick than too many of its kin. No matter how you want to look at it this isn't a great film, but all told, it's not bad!

The tale weaves in classic horror notions of vampiric manipulation, seduction, and glamour; vengeance from beyond the grave, black magic, and dark rituals. The feature also toys inconsistently with the tried and true storytelling tropes of a vampire's vulnerabilities, which in my opinion only grow more tiresome and questionable over time, but so it goes. It's just that these horror notions are explicitly and unabashedly turned toward sexual energy, and commonly realized in that manner. Some moments are more successful than others in fostering delightfully sinister vibes; some moments are more earnestly tantalizing than others with the foremost bent of passion. Strictly speaking some instances of acting are more sincere than others, though Sarno's direction is just as likely to be responsible in that regard, and in the very least no one could ever accuse the cast of not being committed and applying themselves. All the while, the filming locations are outstanding, the art direction is splendid, and the costume design, hair, and makeup are lovely (if sometimes kitschy). Even as some bits are especially weak, in general terms of orchestrating shots and scenes Sarno is certainly no slouch, and I appreciate Steve Silverman's cinematography. Repetitive as the ritualistic music is, I can't say Rolf-Hans Müller's composition isn't enchanting, and other themes that are employed sparingly and lightly are nice. Say what one will about the storytelling slant, this is actually quite well made.

What it quite comes down to is that while Sarno tried to make a seedy, sleazy softcore variation on a vampire flick, he managed to also make one that's more capable and interesting than plenty of other straightforward horror titles. There are no few points of deserved criticism, yes; the plot gets very wishy-washy at times, not least in the last stretch, and the ending makes sense only if one operates on the constant assumption that "good guys" always have to win, no matter what it takes to arrive at that resolution. But more than not I think meaningful discussion is warranted more than abject negativity. It's not as good as it could have been, but it's better than it has any reasonable right to be; I genuinely enjoyed watching, which is the last thing I expected to be saying right now. By no means will this appeal to everyone, and I can't begrudge those who view it more disparagingly. Flaws and all, however, 'The devil's plaything' is a modestly commendable take on the vampire flick, and I would gladly offer it as a gentle recommendation for those who are receptive to the approach it adopts. Don't go out of your way for it, but if you do have the opportunity to watch and are open to fare that honestly blends eroticism and horror, this is a good time overall!

Der Flutch der Schwarzen Schwestern (called by it's UK release title The Devil's Plaything, on my copy)is an experiment in eroto horror that never really takes off.

What plot there is to be had involves the spirit of a vampiric baroness whom has been kept alive by her cult of attendants, so as to possess the body of a young woman and be reborn. Once resurrected, she can continue her bloodlust eternally, provided she drinks the blood of the descendants of her executioners.

The stilted dialogue and even worse acting make the storyline damned hard to follow (worsened by a very poor audio mix and no subtitles).

It's pretty evident the plot is a wash about 15 minutes in, and had there been enough half clothed starlets, all would've been forgiven.

Instead there's random cut scenes of naked girls dancing to bongos(while wearing body paint reminiscent of extras from Laugh In), lots of spell induced heavy breathing in sheer nighties(resembling those shampoo as orgasm Herbal Essences commercials) and a weird incest subplot, with the girls being fairly below par overall (The castle's housekeeper/leader of the cult is probably the worst of the lot, looking like a man in drag in most camera angles) This movie is fence sitting between the two genres, and it's lack of commitment to either is what makes it a lot less interesting than it could've been. There's too little plot to be scary (having actors look about aimlessly is not an effective suspense building tool) and too little quality skin to be sexy.

3 stars. (1 for genuine castle setting, 1 for the god awful shadow puppet special effects in the bat attack scene, 1 for an interesting but wasted premise)

I watched Vampire Ecstasy on Tubi. Free w/ ads.

An heir and her best friend have to stay in a castle for a year in order for her to inherit the castle.

A coven of vampire lesbians dance naked in the basement while chanting, to make the two girls super horny, as part of a plan to resurrect a vampire baroness.

WOW this is a lot. This isn't just naked women like The Shiver of Vampires. These women are touching each other and themselves, and nearly constantly.

The story is fine.

This is a German movie, but is in English. If it's dubbed, they did an incredible job of matching lips.

This is wild and I had a great time watching it.