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Horror Cult Classic

Religious repression and twisted morality turn a Spanish inn into a house of horrors.

A CANDLE FOR THE DEVIL

Spine-chilling suspense!

1973 · 01:27:00 · PG · Horror · IMDB TMDB

Two sisters running a small hotel in Spain kill female tourists whose morals do not meet their strict religious standards.

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Quick Answer
What is A Candle for the Devil about?

A Candle for the Devil is a 1973 Spanish horror film directed by Eugenio Martín about two repressed sisters who murder a British guest at their inn, targeting female tourists whose morals clash with their strict religious beliefs.

The SassyFlix Take

This isn’t your average Spanish vacation: Eugenio Martín’s slow-burn giallo turns a family hotel into a purgatory for the 'unrighteous.' With a body in a wine vat and accidental cannibalism on the menu, repression never looked this grim—or this perversely fascinating.
From the Vault

If you ever wondered what Spanish repression, giallo style, tastes like—dig in (carefully).

Why Cult

Killer Sisters

Two sisters, driven by religious paranoia, turn their hotel into a deadly trap for guests they deem immoral.

Spanish Giallo

A Spanish twist on the giallo formula, blending Mediterranean gothic atmosphere with lurid violence and religious mania.

Catholic Hypocrisy

Religious symbolism and bigotry are front and center, skewering hypocrisy with every knife thrust.

Accidental Cannibalism

Eating human flesh has never been so unintentional, with a dead body in a wine vat and a menu you won't forget.

Synopsis

Two sisters in Spain, both suffering from extreme repression and religious paranoia, who murder a British guest at their inn just before her sister arrives to meet with her.
Details & Specs
Director
Eugenio Martín
Writers
Antonio Fos, Eugenio Martín
Release
1973
Runtime
1h 27m
Country
Spain
Language
German, Spanish
Genres
Horror
Also Known As
It Happened at Nightmare Inn, Die Saat der Angst, Nightmare Hotel, Original title: Una vela para el diablo

Themes & Keywords

Female Nudity Murder Female Rear Nudity Female Topless Nudity Female Frontal Nudity Blood Sex Scene Male Rear Nudity Swimming Pool Large Breasts Male Full Frontal Nudity Axe Bound And Gagged Cleavage Hotel Nipples Visible Through Clothing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Candle for the Devil about? +

A Candle for the Devil follows two repressed sisters in Spain who murder female tourists at their hotel, targeting those who clash with their strict religious standards.

When was A Candle for the Devil released? +

A Candle for the Devil was released in 1973.

Who directed A Candle for the Devil? +

A Candle for the Devil was directed by Eugenio Martín.

How long is A Candle for the Devil? +

A Candle for the Devil has a runtime of 87 minutes.

What genre is A Candle for the Devil? +

A Candle for the Devil is a horror film.