Mark of the Devil (1970)

When the German horror flick Mark of the Devil (1970) was released in theaters, it was jokingly rated ‘V’ for “violence”, and sick bags were given to moviegoers. Sounds like a blast? Set in early 18th century Austria, the extreme flick tells the story of witch hunter Lord Cumberland (Herbert Lom) and his faithful and admiring apprentice Count Christian von Meruh (Udo Kier). The evil duo spends their days wandering the countryside, terrorizing people suspected of practicing devil worship, stealing their land and riches, usurping young women—most notably Vanessa (Olivera Vuco). But when Christian witnesses Cumberland strangle a dude to death for calling him impotent, the doting sidekick begins to see his hypocritical hero is the real evil, not the innocent people they’ve been tormenting. It’s a realization that comes just a bit too late, and the naïve Christian meets his fate at the hands of some angry villagers, while Cumberland escapes to ensure a sequel.

Before engaging your barf bag, get a load of Michael Maien’s seat meat before he meets a blood-lashing, ass-piercing end in a torture chamber. The real torture is that we didn’t get to see enough nudity.