Watch Curse Of Demon Mountain
- PG
- 1979
- 1 hr 54 min
-
5.4 (452)
Curse Of Demon Mountain is a Western horror film from 1977 directed by Simon Wincer, best known for his later work on the movie Quigley Down Under. The movie is set in the American West in the late 1800s and follows the story of a group of gold prospectors who come across an abandoned town on the border of a cursed mountain. They soon find themselves facing off against supernatural forces and must work together to survive the terror that awaits them.
The lead character is a grizzled old prospector named Pike (Joe Don Baker), who makes his living by searching for gold in the hills. He is joined on his latest adventure by his two equally rugged partners, Dobie (Ted Neeley) and Fender (Jim Watkins). Along the way, they encounter a mysterious woman named Mary (Sondra Locke), who is searching for her missing brother.
As they journey deeper into the mountains, strange and eerie things begin to happen. The group stumbles upon an eerie ghost town that seems to have been abandoned for years. The group decides to set up camp for the night but soon discovers that they are not alone. Something dark and malevolent is lurking in the shadows, stalking them at every turn.
Despite the danger that surrounds them, the group forges on, determined to find the gold that they believe lies within the mountain. But as they venture further into the darkness, they discover that the mountain is home to a powerful and ancient evil. Now, they must fight for their survival against the supernatural forces that are trying to destroy them.
The movie has more to offer than just the stock horror elements. The characters are well defined and the relationships between them add to the overall sense of unease. Pike is the cynical old-timer who has seen it all, but even he struggles to deal with the horrors that he encounters. Mary is a complex and multi-dimensional character who is not simply there to be the helpless victim. Rather, she is a strong and resourceful woman who brings a level of depth and intelligence to the proceedings.
The acting is strong throughout, with Joe Don Baker giving a particularly memorable performance as Pike. He plays his character with a gruffness and toughness that feels authentic and believable. Ted Neeley and Jim Watkins also give solid supporting performances, while Sondra Locke brings a sense of empathy to her role that helps anchor the story.
The film's special effects are impressive for the time, and the use of practical makeup and prosthetics gives the supernatural elements a sense of weight and realism. The film relies more on suspense and atmosphere than on jump scares, which serves to create a sense of dread that permeates the entire movie.
The soundtrack is another strong point, with a haunting and atmospheric score that complements the visuals perfectly. The music helps to create a sense of unease and increases the tension throughout the story.
Overall, Curse Of Demon Mountain is an enjoyable and well-made horror film that successfully blends elements of the Western and horror genres. The movie may not be the most groundbreaking horror film ever made, but it is certainly an entertaining and satisfying one. Fans of classic horror and Westerns will find plenty to enjoy here, as will anyone who appreciates good storytelling and strong performances.
Curse Of Demon Mountain is a 1979 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.