Fear No Evil

source: Fear No Evil

Psychiatrist and occult expert Dr. David Sorell (smoothly played with considerable suave charm by Louis Jordan) investigates the history of an old mirror that turns out to be possessed by a powerful demonic force. Said mirror has already claimed the life of Paul Varney (a brief, but fine performance by Bradford Dillman) and threatens to claim Varney's fiance Barbara Anholt (an excellent and appealing portrayal by the lovely Lynda Day George) next. Director Paul Wendkos relates the absorbing and intelligent story at a steady pace, ably crafts a supremely eerie mood, and stages the exciting climax with flair. The ace acting from a tip-top cast rates as another substantial asset: Carroll O'Connor as the amiable Myles Donovan, Wilfrid Hyde-White as kindly mentor Harry Snowden, Marsha Hunt as Paul's concerned mother Mrs. Varney, and Katherine Woodville as the deceitful Ingrid Dorne. Andrew J. McIntyre's sharp cinematography makes neat use of an occasionally prowling camera and boasts some cool askew camera angles that convey a sense of dread and unease without ever becoming overly flashy. Bill Goldenberg's spirited shivery score hits the shivery spot. A superior terror telefilm.

I'm writing this review to let people know this obscure movie finally has a real release and a great looking blu ray at that. I'm also writing this to let you know that this is overrated by the 11 reviews on here haha. This movie moves at a snails pace being 98 minutes. If it had been the typical tv movie length of 73 minutes it would have kept my attention better. I LOVE 60's and 70's tv movies especially horror but this not one of the best by far. The story was interesting but never really took off. The last 20 minutes are good but just not done that well. I feel like those with fond memories of it 51 years ago may be let down seeing it again but the transfer looks amazing and the blu ray has the sequel and commentary tracks!

Restored quality in picture doesn't make it a better movie. Hokey and old-fashioned, it's hard to believe 'Fear no Evil' was released one year after Rosemary's Baby, which is a film that hasn't dated at all.

I remember seeing this as a kid and NEVER forgetting it. I found it haunting and also hauntingly beautiful in its way. I have tried to track down a copy but have never been able to find much at all about this movie. I remembered Lynda George and Bradford Dillman and through a bunch of searching finally located info. I am surprised it is so hard to locate unless I am only imagining how good it was. The film was poignant and I especially liked Lynda George's performance. If anyone knows how I can get a copy, please email me. It was one of my favorite movies long ago. I also liked the Borgia Stick and had these two confused in my mind. That movie is also nearly as obscure and hard

After the tragic death of her fiancé a young woman see visions of her boyfriend in an old mirror he bought one day before their car accident.The psychiatrist who is interested in esoteric knowledge and occult decides to help her...First of all I haven't seen "Ritual of Evil" yet,so I won't compare "Fear No Evil" to it.Basically "Fear No Evil" contains no gore and nudity.Still the story is captivating and the acting is very good.The plot moves slowly and the climax is quite eerie and memorable.Several plot twists are quite unexpected.If you are into late 60's or 70's TV-made horror "Fear No Evil" is worth checking out.The evil in the mirror concept is usually fascintaing.7 mirrors out of 10.

FIRST OFF-it is nice seeing the poster I created for my book, "The Rakashi File: Fear No Evil" (BearManor media) being used here! This outstanding television pilot was feared for many years to be a lost film. There was a fire, some years ago, in the Universal vaults, and it was thought all original materials were lost. Some years ago, I wrote a piece on this gem for "Films In Review" (online), and felt there was so much more to be said. I had planned writing a book on this film while working with the very impressive and talented Philip J. Riley on getting film novelization adaptions back in print from BearManor media. The both of us contacted Universal on requesting all information in regard to the negative and IP on this title, as this movie was NEVER released on vhs, laserdisc or dvd/Bluray. Universal responded to us both they had NO information on this film or the location of printing materials or if they existed. Filmmaker Gary Gerani ("Pumpkinhead", "Trading Paint") was working on a film documentary on composer William Goldenberg when he joined us on the book and in turn, to the delight of us all, located the "Fear No Evil" materials in the vault. After the book ("The Rakashi File: Fear No Evil"-BearManor media) was published, we decided to explore the possibility of getting this, and the sequel ("Ritual Of Evil") back in circulation. Gary had funded restoring "Ritual Of Evil"-the IP-out of pocket so we were set there. I first contacted Robert Blair of VCI for getting the Rights but Universal wanted too high a price. Gary then contacted Frank Tarzi of Kino-Lorber who decided to release it. The dvd/Bluray was released in a restored 2k transfer with commentary by Gary himself. Actress Lynda Day George, who had in the meantime, became a friend of mine, praised the final product as beautiful. I hope this gives a idea the road to how "Fear No Evil" & "Ritual Of Evil" found their way back to be enjoyed!

Bit disappointing this. Was a bit slow, although it did pick up pace later. Honestly, I was expecting something because of the rating, but this is still a boring, At the beginning it looks cool but slowly it become something really strange. There is part in the middle of movie where I thought that it will end, nope. When it actually ends it doesnt feel right, the story could go further but its suddenly over. There was a few good moments i enjoyed, like at the biginning. Great actor but they just can't save this film.

I have a taped copy of this movie ...... somewhere. It is quite special, so I was surprised to find it unlisted in guidebooks such as Mauldin's. An important element involves a demonic force trying to seduce a young woman when she gazes into a mirror. Maybe it's just me, but the idea of an evil force from inside a mirror trying to distort your view of reality and control you seems particularly frightening --- of course one thinks of Dead of Night (1945), the old classic horror film. Also, the scenes where the demon is being summoned are quite disturbing --- the makers of the film seem to have had some special insight into demonology. Bradford Dillman is already dead for most of the movie, but he plays a great haunted spirit on both sides of the grave, and Louis Jourdan is good as the calm, rational psychiatrist trying to help the woman by any means possible, including unorthodox ones.

The story opens with a seemingly groggy and disoriented Paul Varney banging on the door of closed antique shop. Varney flashes a wad of cash at the shop owner and once inside, purchases a beautiful full length antique mirror and arranges to have it delivered to his apartment. Hosting an all night party at his apartment, psychiatrist David Sorell meets Varney and his fiancé Barbara Anholt through his friend Miles Donovan. During a discussion about evil spirits and demons, Varney brings up the demon Rakashi. When Sorell questions Varney about it he gets a a bit touchy and leaves with Barbara to race in a vintage car road rally. Looking in his rear view mirror during the course of rally, Varney seems overcome by a reflection in the mirror and wreaks the car killing himself and injuring Barbara. A grief stricken and depressed Barbara moves in with Paul's affluent mother, but instead of recovering, Barbara seems to be drifting deeper into a suicidal state and is becoming obsessed with idea of joining Paul in the afterlife via the antique mirror where she believes Paul's spirit dwells. To save Barbara's life, David Sorell must investigate the circumstances leading up to Pauls death, including the reasons for his purchase of the antique mirror, his knowledge of Rakashi,and his participation in a demon raising ceremony conducted by a convocation of demonologists immediately prior to his purchasing the mirror.During the course of his investigation, Sorell with the help of his friend and mentor Harry Snowden,and despite the attempted obstructions of Miles Donovan,learns there is much more to the Rakashi legend the he could have possibly imagined and that some people he thought he knew, are not what they seem to be. Every piece of evidence he follows leads him back to the mirror and it's hold on Barbara and in the end he finds himself in a fantastic and horrifying neither world struggling for Barbara's very soul. Paul Wendkos knew how to direct television drama and he does a top notch job with Fear No Evil. The film boast a wonderful cast with Louis Jourdan,Carroll O'Connor,and Bradford Dillman and they give excellent performances. Beautiful Lynda Day George is sexy and vulnerable as Barbara. Wilfred Hyde-White, Marsha Hunt, and Katherine Woodville are top notch in key supporting roles. If William Goldenburgs eerie musical score doesn't give you goosebumps then nothing will. This is a very hard movie to locate, but it's truly a little treasure if you do.