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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
24 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
    • 30User reviews
    • 28Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    Vampire Ecstasy
    Trailer 2:01
    Vampire Ecstasy

    Photos24

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    Top Cast12

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    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 reviews30

    4.81K
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    Featured reviews

    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!
    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!!!
    2Coventry

    Penis-shaped Candles! Need I say more?

    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.
    5ginormusjohn

    For fans of exploitation movies

    Well, the movie is wall to wall naked women from beginning to end. I'm a big fan of things like that so i enjoyed the movie. Also, these women are all easy on the eyes and various shapes and aizes. I'm telling ypu, the 70's were a magic time. No ribs, hip bones or gym rats in this one. Just naturally gorgeous women with amazing curves.

    Also, don't miss the top notch sets the movie was shot in. The best part is the comically bad painting of the girls long lost ancestor. Jfc its terrible.
    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.

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    Related interests

    Naomie Harris, Mahershala Ali, Janelle Monáe, André Holland, Herman Caheej McGloun, Edson Jean, Alex R. Hibbert, and Tanisha Cidel in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
    Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby (1968)
    Horror

    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • 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

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

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