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The Devil's Plaything

Original title: Der Fluch der schwarzen Schwestern
  • 1973
  • X
  • 1h 43m
IMDb RATING
4.8/10
1.1K
YOUR RATING
The Devil's Plaything (1973)
Trailer for Vampire Ecstasy
Play trailer2:01
1 Video
23 Photos
DramaHorror

A lesbian vampire's soul is kept on in the bodies of her descendants.A lesbian vampire's soul is kept on in the bodies of her descendants.A lesbian vampire's soul is kept on in the bodies of her descendants.

  • Director
    • Joseph W. Sarno
  • Writer
    • Joseph W. Sarno
  • Stars
    • Nadia Henkowa
    • Anke Syring
    • Ulrike Butz
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    4.8/10
    1.1K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Joseph W. Sarno
    • Writer
      • Joseph W. Sarno
    • Stars
      • Nadia Henkowa
      • Anke Syring
      • Ulrike Butz
    • 29User reviews
    • 27Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    Vampire Ecstasy
    Trailer 2:01
    Vampire Ecstasy

    Photos23

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    Top cast12

    Edit
    Nadia Henkowa
    • Wanda
    Anke Syring
    • Julia Malenkow
    Ulrike Butz
    Ulrike Butz
    • Monika
    Nico Wolferstetter
    • Peter Malenkow
    • (as Nico Wolf)
    Flavia Keyt
    Alon D'Armand
    Claudia Fielers
    • Samana
    • (as Irina Kant)
    Natasha Michnowa
    Eric Mancy
    Christa Jaeger
    Heidrun Hankammer
    Heidrun Hankammer
    Marie Forså
    Marie Forså
    • Helga
    • Director
      • Joseph W. Sarno
    • Writer
      • Joseph W. Sarno
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews29

    4.81K
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    Featured reviews

    5goblinhairedguy

    unique but disappointing

    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.
    9HumanoidOfFlesh

    One of the most erotic and sensual horror movies ever made.

    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!
    3kosmasp

    If nudity equals horror ...

    ... 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)
    7dshannon1042

    Erotic cult classic

    "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.
    7VideoMonkey

    '70's tittie grind vampire flick at its best

    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!!!

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    Related interests

    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
    Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby (1968)
    Horror

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The low lying mountain seen from 7:14 to 7:21 is the "Schlafende Hexe" (Sleeping Witch), a well-known landmark of the Bavarian Alps along highway B20 in Berchtesgadener Land, Germany.
    • Goofs
      When Wanda tells Julia that her ancestor was unfaithful to the Baroness, she says: she "betraded her" instead of "betrayed".
    • Quotes

      Wanda: Donoshova who, out of jealousy, betraded her mistress and cast her lot with the fratricidal rebel Ulla Borisov.

    • Connections
      Featured in Joe Sarno: A Touch of Horror (2005)

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    FAQ14

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • January 14, 1974 (Sweden)
    • Countries of origin
      • Sweden
      • Switzerland
      • West Germany
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Veil of Blood
    • Filming locations
      • Berchtesgadener Land, Bavaria, Germany(main filming location)
    • Production companies
      • Monarex
      • Saga Film
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 43m(103 min)
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.66 : 1

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