User reviews

Ridiculous, but quite hilarious evangelical edification sermon pulls all the usual triggers to scare you from going to hell; full of remarkable gory depictions of hell, amateurish reenactments of Biblical scenes and lots of insincere preachers and bad acting.

I just had to watch and review this movie after seeing the first Ormond/Pirkle flick "If Footmen Tire You What Will Horses Do?" which warned us that the evil commies would take over the United States unless we as a nation had a major Christian revival. That one was bad enough but this one was just plain tedious.

"The Burning Hell" follows the same tedious formula that "Footmen" followed, with an hour-long sermon by Estus W. Pirkle with cutaway scenes to illustrate what he's talking about. At least with "Footmen," the cutaway shots with the evil commies were entertaining in that they were hilariously over the top in a not-meant-to-be-funny way. The cutaway scenes in this movie were still funny in the same way, only not as funny as "Footmen." What you get are a bunch of scenes of Middle Easterners in biblical times with Southern American accents and a bunch of shots of people in Hell with flames in front of their faces. That's pretty much it.

Of course one thing that's pretty funny is that when one of the characters has a fatal accident on his motorcycle, instead of going to notify the police his friend returns to the church and sits through an hour long sermon. Nor does anyone at the church think it necessary to get help. Not funny, not cool: When the guy, obviously upset and distraught after witnessing the death of his friend asks Rev. Pirkle if his friend is in Hell, instead of offering words of comfort Pirkle says, "Yes, I'm afraid so." What an A-hole. Then he uses the man's emotional state to win another convert for Jesus. Nice.

Only watch this if you like sitting through hour-long sermons at fundamentalist Christian churches, because that's basically what this whole movie is. It's not entertaining, not really even in a so-bad-it's-funny way. It's just an hour of Estus Pirkle saying that Hell exists because the bible says so. As proof he cuts to a couple of other preachers who also say that Hell exists because the bible says so. Pirkle also makes a bunch of claims which shows that he's reading his own ideas into bible stories, such as saying that the bible doesn't say how Cain killed Abel (true, it doesn't) but then goes on to claim that he strangled him with his bare hands. Other embellishments are giving a name to the rich man and claiming that he knew so many other important people in Jerusalem at that time. He then later states that the rich man is still suffering in Hell to this day. Uh, excuse me Rev. Pirkle, but the story of Lazarus and the rich man was just a parable that Jesus told. You know what a parable is, don't you? A made up story with a moral? When he talked about the sheep and goats, he didn't literally mean that there would be sheep in Heaven.

I understand that this movie was probably made to preach to the choir in that it was likely made to show to church groups in order to keep the flock from straying, so anyone who's not already a fundamentalist Christian will feel some brain cells dying. I'm not kidding, right now I can't remember where my car keys are. I do like watching and making fun of bad movies, but this one was just terrible. I have a feeling that if there really is a Hell, this is the only movie which is playing 24/7.

Ron Ormond's "The Burning Hell" may be one of the strangest films ever seen by the general public. It was never intended for public exhibition but was made by a group of evangelicals for Church members, disappeared and was then rediscovered by Nicolas Winding Refn who remastered the original print. It has a home-movie feel to it and, of course, it's terrible and appallingly 'acted' by its amateur cast, (it's mostly just a load of preachers preaching to us), and yet exploitation director Ormond keeps us watching, perhaps in slack-jawed awe and disbelief at what we're actually seeing, (the scenes in Hell are straight out of the worst Grade-Z horror film). This is trash, more likely aimed at sinners than saints and the best thing about it is that it only lasts an hour.

Movies don't get much worse than this. Even though I agree somewhat with the point it means to make (there is a real hell, it is horrible, and those who don't trust in Jesus Christ will go there forever), I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone for any reason. It is inexcusably bad art. It made the rounds in conservative evangelical circles in the late 1970s doing little more than turning hard people into harder ones. Worse yet, two of the featured preachers, Hyles and Gray, were later discovered to have lived secret lives of sexual degeneracy. Both have now passed away and may well know all too well the truth of their words to which they themselves would not listen. If movies could go to hell, this one would spend eternity in its deepest pits.

Even if I were to agree with the theology, this would still be a dreadful film. The acting sucks, the story is stupid, it only commands attention because of the horrific idea at its core.

That idea is the eternal torment of those who do not adhere the shibboleths of a specific religion. "Eternal torment" here is portrayed by literalistic imagery drawn from the Christian Bible, complete with fire, sulfur, worms, and of course endless pain.

Many evangelical Christians have suspended, not only disbelief, but also intelligence, in endorsing this terrible movie.

F__k this evil movie to hell!

An utterly bonkers 'scared-straight' tactic by evangelists. For its time, the imagery of the hellscape depicted must have been terrifying for susceptible southerners, but today, this level of fear-mongering is akin to a cult's bombardment of brainwashing. The acting is god-awful and so wooden you could nail someone to it. I understand why this was not intended for public release as this is a production not even the Mother Mary would be proud of. Ironically, this is one of the most unethical films I have ever seen and should only be viewed for comedic purposes, or for a glimpse into the mind of a narcissistic preacher with too much power.

I can only assume Ron Ormond made these religious films at the end of his career to atone for all the horrid B-flicks he inflicted upon moviegoers in the '50s. That is understandable. "The Burning Hell" was exhibited mainly in southern Protestant churches, Sunday schools and Christian schools - who then plastered every storefront in town with placards advertising the film ("20,000 Degrees Fahrenheit - and Not a Drop of Water!" One wonders how they came up with that measurement). It was in a "Christian school" that I was subjected to this cinematic Hades, in glorious 16mm. The reaction from our 11th grade class was anything but reverent. There was much for us to titter and chuckle over as we were shushed by the Bob Jones-alumni faculty. The Southern-accented Moses with the fake beard ("Y'all let mah people go") - the pasty-white desert dwellers - - the idiot teen bouncing around on the seat of his motorcycle before crashing it, literally losing his head, and plunging into HAYull - and the silly Satan whose face was painted like the Partridge Family's bus (the tricycle-riding Tom Waits in the "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" video was a more plausible devil) - we couldn't take this seriously at all, despite the teachers acting like this catchpenny film was as much Holy Writ as the leather-bound Bibles they clutched. I'm not about to enter into a theological discussion - I will only say that with the amateur histrionics, Estus Pirkle's incessant preaching, and Ormond's inept-as-ever direction, those who view this film may well enter heaven, for they've already been through "The Burning Hell."

I have watched this movie several times and I am very impressed with the way it was made. It really gives a person an idea of what hell will be like, although I know hell will be much worse than anyone can imagine. Mr. Pirkle has captured a small portion of what hell will be like. I know when I watch it that I want to do the will of God and I know in my heart that Jesus did die on that tree so that I wouldn't have to go to hell. This movie was made in the seventies I believe, and as far as the actors and actresses were concerned, I believe they did a wonderful job with their parts. I noticed someone was talking about the fake beards but most movies that someone has to have a beard is almost always fake. I can say I really enjoyed watching the movie and I want to be a better person by watching it. God bless

The Burning Hell is another evangelical laughfest courtesy of Rev. Estus Pirkle and the Ormand family. Having warned the movie going public of communism in their previous outing, they now set out to illustrate the dangers of hell and damnation. Once again mixing badly acted vignettes with scenes of Rev. Pirkle preaching to his congregation, The Burning Hell is just as much of a camp classic as If Footmen Tire You, What Will Horsemen Do.

The film depicts damnation by means of biblical stories and a case study of two liberal Christian bikers, one of whom dies in an accident. Between depictions of people burning in hell, Pirkle expounds on horrible it is to burn in hell, focusing on such edifying themes as the temperature in hell, the presence of worms, and which biblical figures we can expect to meet in hell. Rather than filling us with fear of the Lord, however, the film ultimately produces questions such as "Why does Moses have a southern accent?" and "Who would want to worship something as sadistic as the god Pirkle depicts?"

The depictions of hell are ham-handed and at times downright bizarre. Satan, for example, comes across as a psychedelic version of the Riddler, while the dialogue of the damned is just stilted. A prison guard who thinks everyone is John the Baptist is a particular highlight. An ending which suggests it may all have been a dream lends a particularly corny aspect to the film. Another highlight is the scene where Rev. Pirkle, using a board with numbers on it, confuses a million with a billion.

A great movie in spite of it being made in the 1970's, but an effective message, Makes one think of our eternal fate which hangs in the balance with what we do about Christ Jesus, to accept him is eternal life but to reject him is eternal damnation in Hell forever and ever and not one speck of hope of getting out of such an awful place, it's been said ' God would not put anyone in hell', I would agree since that's why he sent his only begotten son to die for our sins 'John 3:16 (AKJV)', so if we go there its our own fault, I'm glad I made Jesus Christ the lord of my life and I pray everyone else does before its to late. With Christ a person has everything to gain and nothing to lose, but without Christ a person has everything to lose and nothing to gain.

I thought this was a very interesting movie. I believe they should do a re-make of this movie. With the graphics we have now this would be a hit. I hope Hollywood does not let this movie collect dust and be forgotten. Someone please clean off the dust and at least put the movie on DVD even if they don't do a re-make. Young people will truly get an eye opener off this one. With our society changing so fast and so much, it's time for a reality check. I am sure in this day and time this movie will cause great controversy but facts are facts. Who really wants to go to hell. Not I. I can hardly stand the heat in South Florida. After seeing this movie, it changed my whole perspective about life and who I wanted to be in charge of my life. I can certainly tell you that I definitely want to be in heaven with the Lord and not in the burning hell with the devil.

I saw this movie as a child some 30 years ago and it has left an indelible image on my mind. From that day I have committed my life to Christ and I have never regretted that decision. My desire is to find a way to show young persons this movie in my Country Guyana, South America. If this movie can be made available on DVD I am absolutely certain that it will stem the tide of disaster and destruction as it relates to our Leaders of Tomorrow! The movie was shown at a free Christian concert which had approximately 2000 persons in attendance. By the end of the movie many persons were moved to tears. This is an awesome evangelical tool and should be utilized urgently.

I watched "Burning Hell" as a teenager in the 1980s as well as "Believers Heaven" Both by the same producers. Having grown up as a Christian and now with my own kids, I have often wondered why teachings about heaven and warnings about hell have virtually disappeared. If heaven was our ultimate hope, then why are preachers now silent about it? If hell still exists as the dreadful place of eternal torment for those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as savior, then why is no one talking about it? Unfortunately I think we now leave in a world where we would rather hold back the truth if it's going to be offensive. I had to look up the 2 movies to watch it through adults eyes and having grown in maturity over the years and this is my conclusion. Both movies need a remake to update the graphics, however the truths within the movies can not be discarded or masked by the outdated effects. Heaven and hell exists according to the Bible and hell is probably much worse than depicted just as heaven is far more glorious than the movie suggests definitely with people from all cultures and colors. I have read all reviews on this film including the controversies and scandals associated with some of the guest speakers, but that hardly discredits the truth projected. I am a Christian and have my own struggles after all these years trying to subdue the flesh and bloom into the likeness of Christ as I yield to the Holy Spirit and study the Bible. It doesn't change the fact that I am perfect in Gods sight because of the blood of Jesus(Hebrews 10:14). I know it's hard to understand for non Christians. The Sanctification process as we crucify the flesh brings God glory as we become more like Christ. I do pray and hope for a remake of these wonderful movies to warn the world and the new generation of the realities of heaven and hell. The movies have their shortcomings, but still project a fundamental truth!!!

I'm looking for the film or video? do you have it or know where to get it? I typed in "The burning Hell" and it brought me to your web site. I am not trying to comment on the film, but e-mail someone as for information on how to find the film /movie? if you have it in your collection I would like to purchase it to show to some churches. please respond to my e-mail address so that I may find this movie. I saw it when I was 13 yrs old and I will never forget it. I saw people's lives changed by this tool and would like to experience this again. I may be confused about what the documentary is? I assume that it is a detailed explanation of the film and not the film itself. so please respond.

Thanks

Chris McKenzie

I think for what budget a Christian has, this movie is good. He pulls no punches & tells it like it is. Of course satan doesn't want people to hear the Truth, he wants it sugar coated if it comes out at all, which is why one of these commenters is upset that the pastor told the friend that if his buddy wasn't saved, he's in Hell. I guess he feels a man of God should lie just to spare someone's feelings.

The movie conveys the message of God and any who want to be spared far worse torment than can be shown should pay attention, and watch closely. I doubt even a full budget movie out of Hollywood could actually convey the true horrors to come for anyone who doesn't truly accept Jesus as the one & only way to Heaven. God bless.