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Comedy Cult Classic

A devout woman's life unravels after she brings home a puppet with sinister desires.

BLACK DEVIL DOLL FROM HELL

Was it a nightmare? Or was it for real?

1984 · 1h 10m · NR · Comedy / Horror · IMDB TMDB

A woman buys a doll at a magic shop. Unbeknownst to her, the doll is possessed by an evil spirit, and it proceeds to take her over.

Quick Answer

What is Black Devil Doll from Hell about?

Black Devil Doll from Hell is a 1984 American comedy-horror film directed by Chester Novell Turner about a devout Christian woman whose life spirals out of control after purchasing a possessed puppet reputed to grant its owner's desires.

Programmer's Pick

Shot-on-video oddity meets blaxploitation satire in a puppet horror like no other. Only in Chester Novell Turner's universe could a religious crisis be sparked by a secondhand store's most questionable treasure.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Helen Black is a devout Christian committed to abstaining from sex until marriage, despite her friend's encouragement to do otherwise. Her moral resolve is tested after she visits a mysterious store called 'Road's End,' where she purchases an unusual puppet rumored to have strange, desire-granting powers. Dismissing the shopkeeper's warnings, Helen brings the doll home, only to experience unsettling changes in her own urges and behavior. The film combines elements of supernatural horror, satire, and offbeat comedy, setting the stage for an exploration of temptation, faith, and the unpredictable consequences of meddling with the occult.

Details & Specs

Director
Chester Novell Turner
Writer
Chester Novell Turner
Release
1984
Runtime
1h 10m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Comedy, Horror
Also Known As
The Puppet, Czarna lalka z piekla rodem

Why This Matters

Chester Novell Turner's directorial debut is recognized as a cult classic for its audacious blend of blaxploitation and horror, featuring an 'unheard-of' black female protagonist and marking Turner as a distinctive auteur in independent and African American filmmaking during the 1980s home video era.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Why Cult

Shot-On-Video Madness

Experience the raw, DIY energy of an early-80s indie horror filmed entirely on video.

Evil Puppet Horror

A possessed doll with supernatural powers takes center stage, blending horror and absurdity.

Blaxploitation Cult Satire

This film filters its supernatural shock through a uniquely satirical, black cinema lens.

Taboo-Pushing Premise

Themes of sex, religion, and possession collide in a blunt, provocative horror-comedy blend.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Helen purchases the possessed puppet

Threat

Evil puppet with supernatural powers

Effect

Causes possession, sexual compulsion, and madness

Setting

Helen's home and neighborhood

Questions from the Vault

When was Black Devil Doll from Hell released? +

Black Devil Doll from Hell was released in 1984.

Who directed Black Devil Doll from Hell? +

Chester Novell Turner directed Black Devil Doll from Hell.

How long is Black Devil Doll from Hell? +

Black Devil Doll from Hell has a runtime of 70 minutes.

What genre is Black Devil Doll from Hell? +

Black Devil Doll from Hell is a comedy-horror film.

Where can I watch Black Devil Doll from Hell? +

Black Devil Doll from Hell is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips