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- The Devil's Rain - US DVD -

Tagline: "Heaven Help Us When The Devil's Rain!"

Synopsis: It starts out in an old western town with 'Mark Preston' and his family 
defending an ancient book which 'Jonathan Corbis' wants. 'Corbis is leader of a 
satanic cult that live in an old church. He is set to lead his cult to satan's 
kingdom but needs the book that the 'Prestons' (descendants of the 'Fyffes') stole 
three centuries before. After taking his family, 'Preston' puts his faith against 
that of Satan in exchange for his family, if he wins, or the book and his soul, if 
he loses. 'Tom Preston,' 'Mark's' brother, is investigating his family's disappearance.
He's aided by 'Julie Preston,' who can see visions of the past and future, conveniently
giving us a place to explain what the whole movie is really about. 'Corbis' is possessed
by a demon and his head is transformed into that of a ram's head that looks really 
creepy. 'Dr. Sam Richards,' 'Eddie Albert,' is the 'Preston' family doctor and aides 
the family. 'Corbis' has tv like container filled with souls, which contain the devil's 
rain that is unleashed at the end. 
Robert Fuest is the director and writer. He also directed the Vincent Price classics 
'The Abominable Dr. Phibes' (1971) and 'Dr. Phibes Rises Again' (1972). He wrote 'Dr. 
Phibes Rises Again.' He was also the director and Production Designer for several 
episodes of the 60s show, 'The Avengers.' 

Story/plot: The plot is fairly simple. A cult leader wants his 17th century book back
in order to complete his cult's journey into satan's kingdom. But what is the devil's rain?
Watch the movie to find out!

Atmosphere: It is mostly shot outside on the desert plains of a southwestern town, now 
mostly deserted. There's always a feeling of rushing, of time running out. It never gets 
horrific. 

Cast/characters: This movie is filled with big stars from the 70s/80s. Too bad they 
came together for this B-movie. William Shatner plays 'Mark Preston' and briefly as 
his own past relative (a 'Fyffes') in the 17th century. He's plays his usual overacting 
self. He's not too bad here though but only acts for about the first third of the movie.
Borgnine is the best of this movie, as 'Jonathan Corbis,' the cult leader. He acts great 
in this movie, outshining the rest of the cast, even Shatner. The best part is his get 
up as the ram-headed demon. He's creepy looking!!
Tom Skerritt plays 'Tom Preston,' brother of 'Mark Preston,' and the hero for most of 
the movie. He plays his usual B-movie best, it's okay. Eddie Albert plays 'Dr. Sam 
Richards,' the 'Preston's' family doctor and friend, who helps 'Tom' in his investigation.
He plays his little role fine. John Travolta plays his first movie role as 'Danny' 
(it's in the credits, although we never hear his name), a cult member with no dialogue 
and can only be seen a few times, totalling less than a few minutes (he gets beat up 
on the stairs, then aiding 'Corbis,' and a few during the conclusion). All cult members
are soulless, eyeless, have whitish blood, and rarely talk. 

Cinematography: Your basic camera work for the 70s, a bit faded but clear. Lighting's 
in good, some shadows now and then on indoor shots. 

FX, sound, etc: Audio is clear. Music just to set the mood, no lyrics. The SFX? 
Up until 'Corbis' takes on his demon ram-head form, there isn't much SFX. The cult 
members have wax over their faces and black out eyes (hidden under the wax to create
a dark tunnel in front of their eyes). They do look disturbing though. Sometimes you
can see flames in their eyes (a blue screen). The highlight is 'Corbis' ram head. He
looks very evil and menacing with big horns, a snout, white hair, and piercing eyes. 
One explosion. 

Final Thoughts: This is great if you like simple, cheesy movies with some fairly big 
names in it. The highlights are Ernest Borgnine in his ram-head form and John Travolta's 
first movie role, which isn't very much of a role. The ending is predictable. 

Overall: While not great, it is entertaining. The DVD extras include a trailer, scene 
gallery, and photo gallery.

3/5

Reviewed By Wolf By Night

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