An absurd story about the return of witchcraft after its heyday in the 17th century, when everyone thought it was extirpated, involving weird rituals and disturbing turns of events, but very well made with a seducing beauty and charm over it all, greatly enhanced by Marc Wilkinson's music, which almost makes the film. Linda Hayden as the leading witch and Patrick Wymark as the so called authority of justice lead the atrocities, which get worse all the way. He is abominable in his usual ways, which almost makes the poor bewitched children appear innocent in comparison. It's a speculative almost experimental wandering into the occult very much in the vein of "The Wicker Man" from the same period, but this is all 18th century perfectly revived, a kind of post-puritan horror story of fascinating ingenuity, almost architectural in its composition, and part of its very suggestive strength lies in its character of almost an impressionistic improvisation, which adds to its totally absurd but still convincing reality. The chief backbone of the film making it well worth seeing to anyone remains though the perfect music.

Set in the 17th century. Ralph Gower is out plowing the fields one day when he accidentally uncovers the earthly bones of Satan. Angel Blake will find Satan's Claw and begins to lead a coven of children into devil worshiping. People are turning up dead but the Judge needs proof of that witchcraft is involved - but some feel it's more sinister than witchcraft.The film is well acted out - bravo to the actors. I also felt it was beautifully filmed and a well written story. It feels and looks like a high dollar production although made on a fairly modest budget.This film does get violent, there is rape, murder and some blood splattered but it is done in a way that is (somewhat) watchable. If any of this offends you then I do suggest that you look for a milder film on the subjects of Satan and witchcraft.8/10

(55%) Hard to believe that not that far back in 1970's Britain one could quite legally watch, and even make/distribute movies with completely nude 16 year old girls in them, and yet porno (both hard and soft) featuring over 18's was pretty much illegal everywhere besides a few "private clubs", and even then the bobbies still could raid at any time they felt like. But I digress. This well made devil based period horror flick that in all honesty highlights how shoddy Hammer movies had become once the 70's came round. The direction and production is pretty damn good, it's just a shame the movie is a little dry and pointless. For fans of classic British horror this is a must watch, but it's hardly anything fantastic for a general audience.

The Blood of Satan's Claws (1971) *** (out of 4) Effective horror film set in 17th century England as the children and teenagers of a small village are turning themselves over to Angel (Linda Hayden), a beautiful girl who is teaching them witchcraft. THE BLOOD OF SATAN'S CLAWS is one of the most respected horror films from Britain and it's easy to see why. While the story itself isn't anything to write home about, I've always thought that you could take an unoriginal idea and turn it into something special as long as it was well-made. There's no question that the entire witchcraft sub-genre was overused during this period as drive-ins were full of pictures dealing with Satan but this one here ranks as one of the best because on a technical level it's nearly brilliant. Director Piers Haggard does a terrific job in his duties and he really manages to make this an eerie, creepy and at times disturbing film. There's some minor use of violence but the majority of the eeriness comes from the style of the film and how Haggard manages to milk every scene for all its atmosphere. The entire movie really does feel as if you're in the 17th century and the scenes with the beast were quite effective. The first hour of the movie really manages to feature some creepy material and especially the killings and the scenes that simply feature the claws. Another major plus is Hayden who is simply terrific in her role as the seductive leader. Patrick Wymark is also very good in his part as the judge. Editor Richard Best, cinematographer Dick Bush and the music by Marc Wilkinson are all extremely effective and help make the movie what it is. THE BLOOD ON SATAN'S CLAW could have benefited from a better or at least more original story but there's still no doubt that this is a prime example of how good the genre could be.