Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Night of the Demon

film

Night of the Demon

1958

American professor John Holden arrives in London for a conference on parapsychology only to discover that the colleague he was supposed to meet was killed in a freak accident the day before. It turns out that the deceased had been investigating a cult lead by Dr. Julian Karswell. Though a skeptic, Holden is suspicious of the devil-worshiping Karswell. Following a trail of mysterious manuscripts, Holden enters a world that makes him question his faith in science.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Religious themes4/5
  • Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models2/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Several deaths and threatened deaths drive the plot, including supernatural attacks. Most are briefly shown or implied rather than graphically depicted.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

No graphic gore is depicted; injuries are implied or shown in aftermath with no blood.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild, period-appropriate language.

Religious themes4/5
Why this rating?

Occult ritual, curses, demonology, supernatural evil, and religious or spiritual countermeasures are central to the story.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

There is some adult romantic relationship material, but romance is secondary to the supernatural investigation and horror plot.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Sustained occult dread, a frightening demon, curses, pursuit, and dangerous supernatural encounters make this strongly scary, though it is more atmospheric than relentlessly intense.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Casual social drinking as is typical for 1950s period drama.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes a train accident and a physical struggle involving a supernatural presence. Violence is largely implied or off-screen.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The main character shows significant courage in facing a supernatural threat he initially disbelieves.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

A highly inventive piece of classic supernatural horror cinema.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Brief glimpses into historical occult folklore, though not intended as academic study.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate care for one another while navigating dangerous circumstances.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

It suggests that evil and occult power have real consequences and that courage, investigation, and resistance matter, though the emphasis is horror rather than instruction.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist demonstrates intellectual rigor and persistence in seeking the truth.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Night of the Demon would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Night of the Demon, and what caused that change?
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