Gonna go old school with this one. I’ve said before how I consider it a moral obligation to turn you youngsters out there on to the classics. 1978’s DEVIL DOG: THE HOUND OF HELL certainly qualifies as the latter; albeit it is a “classic” of a different sort. The story is fairly straightforward; there are no loose ends or inconsistencies. The acting, headlined by the venerable Richard Crenna, is solid. Those of you who were kids in the late 70s will recognize child actors Ike Eisenmann and Kim Richards from the Wonderful World of Disney WITCH MOUNTAIN specials, and Hammer Studios fans will be pleased to see Martine Beswick (DR. JEKYLL AND SISTER HYDE) in a cameo role. The movie, which was made for television, believe it or not, has its geek connections, that’s for sure. So what’s it about?
Take the plot of THE OMEN and replace the kid with a cute doggie. That’s it. That’s the plot. It’s every bit as ridiculous as it sounds. The fact that everyone involved treats the subject matter so seriously only serves to highlight the ludicrousness and makes what would have otherwise been a forgettable hour-and-a-half viewing experience a veritable banquet of unintentional frivolity. It would seem that neither writer, director, or cast realized they were making such a terrible film, and this is what makes it such comedic gold. All hail the afro-wearin’, tail-waggin’ puppy dog of hell!
