Banned horror that sparked mass walkouts releases first look ahead of first legal screening in 55 years

A horror movie that was received so badly that it was banned for over half a century and is only just getting its first screening since then.

The film's release in 1971, was one of immediate controversy, with it slapped with an X-rating in the UK after several cuts were made for it to even be viewable to the public.

With it containing quite a bit of religious material, it's understandable how something with sexual themes would be tricky for the Church to digest.

However, it was more than that and the Vatican condemned its creation.

Now, censorship has calmed down a little since the 70s, the film is set for its first legal release and screening.

For those who want to watch Ken Russell's The Devils, you will be happy to know you can do so at your own behest next month.

That's because the film has been restored, with even better quality, with Warner Bros posting that renowned director, Guillermo del Toro, praised the move.

The Devils was released in 1971 (BFI)

He was quoted as saying: “The restoration of the material is like cleaning the Sistine Chapel with saliva. I’ve never seen the movie until I saw this restoration.”

According to the picture company, 'over 164,472 frames of 35mm film were restored to bring to life' the movie.

The flick stars Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave, and was inspired by an apparent true story of a 17th-century priest called Urbain Grandier, who allegedly put his nuns under some sort of spell, leaving them to endure mass hysteria and more.

Set to be available on 30 October 2026 locally, 16 October in the US, and released in cinemas in the UK and Ireland by BFI Distribution and Warner Bros. Clockwork, the 4K flick will not only look different, but allegedly includes a definitive version.

Regarding BFI's choice to release the flick, Stuart Brown, BFI Director of Programme and Distribution said the eilm is a 'masterpiece', revealing in a statement:

“Ken Russell’s The Devils is one of the great masterpieces of British cinema: a film of astonishing imagination, searing power and dazzling formal brilliance. The BFI is thrilled to be partnering with Warner Bros. Clockwork to present the new restoration, which reveals anew the extraordinary artistry of Oliver Reed, Vanessa Redgrave, Derek Jarman and the many others who collaborated to create a truly singular work."

It added: "The BFI has long supported Ken Russell’s film and television work across BFI Southbank, BFI home entertainment and BFI Player, and so it is a fitting privilege to help bring this landmark restoration to audiences across the UK and Ireland.”

Ann Guarino of the New York Daily News once said it 'could not be more anti-Catholic in tone or more sensationalized in treatment,' as Charles Champlin of The Los Angeles Times said 'it is anti-humanity.'

As for The Vatican, it was 'an insult to cinema.'

Anyway, the response to the restored release has been varied, with one person writing on X: "Insane film. Freaked me the hell out the first time I saw it."

Another said: " Saw it at the New Beverly in the late 80s two times. Incredible film."

Someone else wrote: " take my money."

You can watch the flick on the BFI Player.