The Devils (1971)

Ken Russell’s *The Devils* (1971) screens in a new 4K restoration presented on a newly struck 35mm print. This controversial historical horror film dramatizes the Loudun possessions and witchcraft trial in 17th-century France, where political ambition, religious fanaticism, sexual repression, and institutional power collide.

Oliver Reed plays Urbain Grandier, a charismatic and politically defiant priest whose libertine behavior and opposition to Cardinal Richelieu make him a target of powerful enemies. Vanessa Redgrave portrays Sister Jeanne, a hunchbacked abbess consumed by an obsessive desire for Grandier. Her accusations of demonic possession set off mass hysteria among the convent’s nuns, leading to torture, exorcism, and execution. Drawing on Aldous Huxley’s *The Devils of Loudun*, the film treats the historical episode as horror, political allegory, and a condemnation of the collusion between church and state.

The director’s cut restores Russell’s original vision, including disturbing depictions of religious hysteria, body horror, and the nuns’ desecration of a crucifix. The film was infamously rated X and was banned, censored, and recut in various territories. Its stark white production design by artist Derek Jarman contrasts with the film’s elaborate baroque imagery and intense colors.

When: November 4 through November 12, with the page listing screenings on November 4, November 6, November 7, November 8, November 9, November 10, November 11, and November 12.

Showtimes: November 4 at 9:55 PM; November 6 at 9:30 PM; November 7 at 9:30 PM; November 8 at 9:30 PM; November 9 at 10:10 PM; November 10 at 9:00 PM; November 11 at 10:10 PM; and November 12 at 9:30 PM.

Run time: 1 hour 51 minutes.

Director: Ken Russell.

Cast: Oliver Reed, Vanessa Redgrave, and Gemma Jones.

Restoration: The 4K restoration was assembled from the original camera negative, using an edit Russell privately created in 2004 as a reference for his definitive version. The soundtrack was remastered from the original English composite 35mm magnetic film track at 96 kHz, with additional original film elements used where necessary. Warner Bros. Post Production Creative Services, Water Tower Color, and Warner Bros. Sound handled the picture and sound restoration.

Format: The restoration is being shown at the Coolidge on a newly struck 35mm print.

Venue: Coolidge Corner Theatre.

Tickets: Price not available.

All dates: Nov 6 at 9:30 PM · Nov 7 at 9:30 PM · Nov 8 at 9:30 PM · Nov 9 at 10:10 PM · Nov 10 at 9:00 PM · Nov 11 at 10:10 PM · Nov 12 at 9:30 PM