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Horror Cult Classic

A psychiatrist unravels occult secrets while falling for the witch at the heart of a satanic cult.

RITUAL OF EVIL

1970 · 1h 40m · NR · Horror / Mystery / TV Movie · IMDB TMDB

A psychiatrist investigates the death of one of his patients, a young heiress.

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Quick Answer

What is Ritual of Evil about?

Ritual of Evil is a 1970 American horror mystery TV movie directed by Robert Day about a psychiatrist investigating the suspicious deaths of a young heiress's parents, leading him to a dangerous cult.

Programmer's Pick

Sinister rituals and high society make strange bedfellows in this occult TV yarn, where the psychiatrist’s heart proves just as vulnerable as his mind. Louis Jourdan’s turn as Dr. Sorrell and Anne Baxter’s enigmatic witch add a dash of star power to the witchcraft stew.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

In Ritual of Evil, psychiatrist Dr. David Sorrell takes on the troubled case of heiress Loey Wiley, whose parents have recently died under mysterious conditions. As Sorrell digs deeper, his search for answers points to a shadowy cult lurking within the upper crust. The investigation leads him to Leila Barton, a powerful witch and leader of the cult, complicating matters when mutual attraction grows between them. With themes of occultism, elite conspiracy, and satanic rituals, this made-for-TV horror-mystery blends psychological intrigue with supernatural menace. The film focuses on the early stages of Sorell’s investigation and the unsettling world he begins to unveil.

Details & Specs

Director
Robert Day
Writers
Robert Presnell Jr., Richard Alan Simmons
Release
1970
Runtime
1h 40m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Horror, Mystery, TV Movie

Why This Matters

This made-for-television film continues the story of Dr. Sorrell, with Louis Jourdan reprising his role from the earlier Fear No Evil (1969), highlighting the era's interest in serialized horror narratives on TV.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Robert Day Writers: Robert Presnell Jr. +1 more
Louis Jourdan Louis Jourdan Dr. David Sorell Anne Baxter Anne Baxter Jolene Wiley John McMartin John McMartin Edward Bolander Diana Hyland Diana Hyland Leila Barton Wilfrid Hyde-White Wilfrid Hyde-White Harry Snowden Belinda Montgomery Belinda Montgomery Loey Wiley Georg Stanford Brown Georg Stanford Brown Larry Richmond RC Regis Cordic The Sheriff Dehl Berti Dehl Berti Mora RA Richard Alan Knox Hippie Johnny Williams Johnny Williams Newscaster JJ Jimmy Joyce 1st Reporter JL James LaSane 2nd Reporter CB Carla Borelli Aline Wiley

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Why Cult

Occult Intrigue

The film dives into a world of satanic rituals and cult conspiracies hidden behind elite facades.

Psychiatrist vs Witchcraft

A modern man of science clashes—and mingles—with ancient occult forces while investigating a patient’s mystery.

Star-Studded Cast

Louis Jourdan and Anne Baxter anchor the narrative with performances that elevate the made-for-TV chills.

Unsold Series Pilot

This mystery was designed as a launchpad for a series, making it a unique curiosity in cult TV history.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Death of heiress's parents

Threat

Satanic cult led by witch Leila Barton

Effect

Cult manipulation and occult influence over elite members

Setting

Affluent circles under psychiatric investigation

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Ritual of Evil? +

Ritual of Evil was directed by Robert Day.

How long is Ritual of Evil? +

Ritual of Evil has a runtime of 100 minutes.

What genre is Ritual of Evil? +

Ritual of Evil is a horror and mystery TV movie.

Where can I watch Ritual of Evil? +

Ritual of Evil is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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