Born Violet Joan Pretty in 1931 in Handsworth, Birmingham, Anne Heywood began her career as a beauty queen before transitioning to acting. She made her mark in cult cinema with roles in Lady Godiva Rides Again (1951) and The Nun and the Devil (1973), where she embraced bold narratives that often challenged societal norms. Heywood's performances in Ring of Darkness (1979) and What Waits Below (1984) further solidified her reputation for taking on unconventional roles, making her a significant figure in the exploration of genre cinema.
Ring of Darkness
Once a Satanist who surrendered her soul and body to the devil himself, Carlotta Rhodes begins to regret her tryst with Lucifer when her teenage daughter, Daria, starts showing the evil influence of dear old Dad. Convinced that she can stop the devil's power on earth, Carlotta calls upon an exorcist for help.