''Beyond The Door'' (1974)

By Crusader1307

  A very strange Film from 1974 – ‘’Beyond The Door’’ shouldn’t have become the Cult Classic it did. Filmed at a time when ‘’Demonic Possession’’ was at it’s height (thanks to Warner Brothers iconic ‘’The Exorcist’’), it seemed everyone was making a Film about some Demon or Devil taking over someone. It too was one of the ‘’sued films’’ by which Warner Brothers levied against infringement of their ‘’intellectual property’’. Unlike most however, Producers settled out of Court in 1979 (which is why copies were available for release even today). The film was a joint Italian/American venture which featured then well known British Actress Juliet Mills (and nobody else outside of Italy would know!) Filmed in San Francisco, California – the film is extremely laughable in terms of the vocal overdubs (or poor acting coaches at any rate). But he eventual creepiness and downright scary scenes did indeed rival Warner Brothers ‘’Exorcist’’.


The Plot centers around an American Family of Jessica, Paul and their two precocious pre-teens (boy and girl). Jessica comes up pregnant despite precautions and learns She is really 3 months advanced (as opposed to the 3 weeks She thought). In fact, doctors are shocked to find the ‘’child’’ is growing at an alarming rate. We also met Dimitri, Jess’s former lover (who was a practicing Santanist). Ordered by The Master (Ole Scratch), to prepare His girlfriend for His ‘’seed’’, He breaks away and helps Her escape. Running Himself, His Car loses control and careens off a cliff (only to be suspended there by ‘’you know who’’). The Devil makes a deal with Dimitri. Bring Him back the girl and He just ‘’might’’ allow Him to live). Many years pass.


Jessica’s pregnancy finds her mood beginning to change. She begins to ‘’hear and see’’ things and somewhat abusive to Her Children. Dimitri on the other hand, finds Her in America and starts to shadow Her Husband – waiting for the right time to ‘’tell Him’’ the awful truth. Doctors can find no reason for the rapid growth or even stranger activities of Jess. Without giving away too much, Her Husband leaves Her alone with the kids on night to about 10 minutes of really scary special effects and twisted viewing! Dimitri makes His presence known to Jess’s Husband (who by now realizes some is seriously wrong with His wife (again, a series of scenes in the film will definitely explain that!) After, Dimitri (who really loved Jess after all, bungled the Demon Birth (which is stillborn and deformed….REALLY deformed), Dimitri leaves the couple’s life. Slowly, the family comes back together again, trying hard to forget the terrifying experiences they all had at the hands of The Devil. Jess’s Son begins to play with a birthday toy – which bears a striking resemblance to Dimitri’s car (the one that was held in the air by The Devil years prior. For some reason, He throws the toy over a Pier into the water. In reality, We see Dimitri back in His car, crashing now to His doom.


The silliness aside, as stated – ‘’Beyond The Door’’ has some real scary moments that even seasoned Fright Fans will like. Two sequels were made much later, with neither having anything to do with the original premise or characters (only cashing in on the name). Skip these, Please!