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Horror Cult Classic

Family feuds, Gothic castles, and the King of Darkness stir up old secrets in Spanish giallo style.

DIABOLICAL SHUDDER

1972 · 1h 25m · NR · Horror · IMDB TMDB

Two brothers, one good and the other evil, get caught up in a legend involving the King of Darkness, who comes to his disciples to feast on the blood of a virgin and grant power and prosperity to all of his followers.

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Vault Note

Sometimes it's the ailing matriarch you have to watch out for, not just the King of Darkness.

Programmer's Pick

If your taste runs to giallo-flavored Gothic horror with a dash of sibling rivalry, Diabolical Shudder delivers. George Martin directs himself into a tangled web of inheritance, deception, and a castle haunted by more than dementia. Spanish horror fans will spot familiar faces and the genre's signature melodrama lurking in every shadow.

— SassyFlix Programmer
Quick Answer
What is Diabolical Shudder about?

Diabolical Shudder is a 1972 Spanish horror film directed by George Martin about two brothers—one good, one evil—who clash over family legacy and a deadly legend involving the King of Darkness.

Details & Specs
Director
George Martin
Writers
José María Elorrieta, George Martin, Daniel Ceballos
Release
1972
Runtime
1h 25m
Country
Spain
Language
Spanish
Genres
Horror
Also Known As
Diabolical Shudder, Frissons diaboliques, Original title: Escalofrío diabólico

Synopsis

Diabolical Shudder is basically your age old tale of good vs. evil set in and around an old castle. In the evil corner we have Alex Montan (Mariano Vidal Molina), who has spent years coveting both his ailing mother Mina's fortune and his deceased stepbrother Clay's lovely former flame Vivian (Shepard). Clay supposedly died years earlier in a mysterious auto accident, but the body recovered from the accident site was burned beyond recognition, so no one quite knows for sure. The mother (Rosario Royo) suffers from a bad case of dementia, makes no bones about her disdain for her greedy son and refuses to sign over the estate to him. She also claims that Clay and her former husband Walter (who is also dead) continue to pay her visits late at night when no one else is around. Alex cannot wait to get his hands on his mom's money and is getting impatient waiting for the "medieval relic" to keel over. Alex is also a Satanist who heads up a small sect of followers called "The Brothers of Satan," who wear black robes with red hoods and are preparing to reap the rewards of the their service to the Dark Lord. To say this movie is obscure is a understatement.

Why Cult

Gothic Castle Setting

The action unfolds in and around an old castle, saturating the film with classic Gothic atmosphere.

Giallo & Gothic Mashup

Combines giallo intrigue and Spanish Gothic horror, making for a stylishly sinister blend.

King of Darkness Legend

A macabre legend involving the King of Darkness and blood rituals drives the film's supernatural stakes.

Family Betrayal Mystery

Sibling rivalry turns deadly as inheritance, lost love, and an unsolved death keep everyone guessing.

Questions from the Vault

What is Diabolical Shudder about? +

Diabolical Shudder follows two brothers—one good, one evil—caught in a family feud and a sinister legend involving the King of Darkness in a haunted castle.

When was Diabolical Shudder released? +

Diabolical Shudder was released in 1972.

Who directed Diabolical Shudder? +

George Martin directed Diabolical Shudder.

How long is Diabolical Shudder? +

Diabolical Shudder has a runtime of 85 minutes.

What genre is Diabolical Shudder? +

Diabolical Shudder is a horror film.

Where can I watch Diabolical Shudder? +

You can watch Diabolical Shudder on SassyFlix.