Ken Russell’s The Devils

The film focuses on Father Grandier (Oliver Reed), a 17th Century French priest whose unorthodox views hold a passionate following in the walled town of Loudon, including the nun Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave). When the power-hungry Cardinal Richelieu realizes he must eliminate Grandier to gain control of Loudon, he spearheads a public outcry to destroy the once-loved priest's reputation.

Why is this release important?

The Devils is a major work by one of Britain’s greatest directors, Ken Russell. It features art direction by the internationally acclaimed artist Derek Jarman and powerful performances from Oliver Reed, Vanessa Redgrave and a host of British actors from stage and screen.

Highly controversial on release in 1971, the film was heavily edited by both the distributor (Warner Brothers) and the BBFC.

This cut was originally reconstructed in 2004 under the supervision of Ken Russell and the film’s editor Michael Bradsell, in collaboration with film critic Mark Kermode and Paul Joyce. However, even the BFI’s 2011 DVD release was not granted permission by Warner Brothers to use the additional footage.

Tickets can be booked via www.mallardcinema.co.uk or on the Mallard Cinema app.