Originally made to cash in on the popularity of the 1968 Vincent Price classic “The Witchfinder General,” Mark of the Devil not only ended up out grossing that film at the box office but has gained a notorious reputation that makes it infamous to this very day. The first film to be “Rated V for Violence,” the German made Mark of the Devil famously offered vomit bags free to paying customers for those with too weak stomachs to take the atrocities shown within the movie.

Great publicity and showmanship aside, Mark of the Devil may not be “Positively the most horrifying film ever made” as it proclaims, but may have been one of the most horrifying made for its time. Based on an original script by director Michael Armstrong, controversy exists over just how much was filmed by Armstrong and how much was secretly filmed by producer Adrian Hoven. Hoven and Armstrong’s intense dislike for each other is a matter of public record, but unsubstantiated claims have been made that Hoven cut down Armstrong’s script about witch hunters so he could insert his own ideas.

While dwelling on the sensational ad campaign for the movie or the notoriety it received after its release mot detractors fail to realize, or possibly refuse to acknowledge just how well made the movie is, especially despite all the behind the scenes drama that occurred. The movie is beautifully photographed, with the locations almost pristine in their beauty. The almost Gothic interior sets look like they could have come straight out of a period Mario Bava film. The baroque music by Michael Holm is hauntingly beautiful and just like with Riz Ortolani’s amazing score for Ruggero Deodato’s “Cannibal Holocaust” it is hard to believe that such a mean spirited, scandalous shock film steeped in gore and controversy could offer up such a stunning score. The music almost is too pretty to be used here, but none the less sets the mood perfectly and adds so much to the experience of Mark of the Devil.

Even the notorious scenes of gore that have had censors everywhere up in arms owe more to reputation than actual execution. While shocking for its time, by today’s standards the effects while still packing a flinching emotional punch due to the context of which they take place look pretty tame and cheap. Fortunately this is not a deterrent for those seeking a strong, emotional and stomach knotting piece of classic horror cinema.

Some movies gain reputations that are completely unfounded, but Mark of the Devil does live up to the legacy it has left behind. One of the most famous pieces of exploitation, Mark of the Devil trail blazed through theaters and left audiences gasping for breath. No matter how many times you view this movie, none will affect you like the first.