Thriller: Spell Of Evil (ITV 1973, Diane Cilento, Edward De Souza)

In Spell of Evil businessman Tony Mansell, following the death of his wife some time previously, decides to look at finding a new romantic partner, he signs up for a dating agency advertised in the Times and within a day he has met and very much come under the spell of Clara. As time goes on and strange accidents begin to happen to the people around him he begins to have his suspicions about his new wife. Then he comes down with a mystery illness. Tony’s secretary is determined to get to the bottom of things and discovers that Clara is a very possibly a 17th century witch.

A full on Hammer-esque episode of Thriller this, Diane Cilento is fab in the lead role as the witch who has already left a string of dead husbands in her wake. Edward De Souza has the most incredible hairstyle in this episode!

Great fun.

production details
UK / ITV Network – ATV – ITC / 1×75 minute episode / Broadcast 16 June 1973

Writer: Terence Feely / Story: Brian Clemens / Director: John Sichel

Series: Thriller / Season One Episode Ten

cast
DIANE CILENTO as Clara
EDWARD DE SOUZA as Tony Mansell
JEREMY LONGHURST as George Matthews
JENNIFER DANIEL as Liz
WILLIAM DEXTER as Mr Pritchard
IRIS RUSSELL as Mrs Roberts
MARTIN WYLDECK as Mr Laker
PHILIP ANTHONY as Mr Todd
LINDA CUNNINGHAM as Suzy
DAVID BELCHER as Dr Paterson
REG LYE as Caretaker
PATRICIA KNEALE as Mrs Mansell

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.