Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Daily Reel - Devil Dog: Hound of Hell (1978)


In this made-for-TV horror film, director Curtis Harrington hoped to cast a Rottweiler in the starring role. Animal trainer Moe DiSesso read the script and advised him against it: only a German Shepherd Dog, DiSesso said, would have the trained skills needed to pull off the character of "Lucky."

Harrington was smart to listen to the trainer and cast a GSD with a devastating stare and perfect focus for the role of the canine demon sent by Satan to terrorize a typical American family. The canine character is possibly unique in this sub-genre of horror films—he never bites or even tries to attack anyone, but uses telepathy to force his victims to harm themselves.

This movie is profiled in detail in Wonder Dogs: 101 German Shepherd Dog Films (see top right sidebar).

Produced by Zeitman-Landers-Roberts Productions

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