mark.waltz Newcomer Ed Nelson has a unique way of making friends... and losing them. He introduces himself to town-folk as the nephew of a recently deceased resident whom nobody liked, a hermit who was found dead covered in blood along side a goat which obviously had its throat slit. Bizarre goings on reveal that Nelson isn't the nice man he appears to be, and the town doctor and sheriff try to discover what is really behind all of the recent tragic events. The sudden attack of the rival to Nelson's attempt to win the doctor's daughter by his devoted dog, the discovery of a trampled body of the town drunk, and other bizarre happenings prove that something spiritually evil is taking place.Nelson, a cult actor who found romantic leads on the soap operas "Peyton Place" and "Capital", is a bizarre presence, his easy going demeanor hiding something truly foul. The poor drunk gets a first hand view, and his terror in realizing what he's witnessed isn't a hallucination is truly frightening. This is the type of horror movie that probably sent viewers immediately to church to pray or home to shower. It's cheaply made, adequately acted, and truly disturbingI can't watch films like this and praise them simply for that reason, even though I think that later horror films like " Rosemary's Baby" and "The Omen" are classics among the genre. This has an element of trashiness to it that puts it in the classification of exploitation rather than a piece of art.

MartinHafer "The Devil's Partner" is a low-budget 1950s film. However, despite a low budget, mostly unknown actors (aside from Edgar Buchanan of "Petticoat Junction" fame) and a simple desert town as a set, the movie manages to set a wonderfully creepy mood.The film begins with an old man dying while doing some weird satanic ceremony--or that is at least what appears to be the case. A few days later, the guy's young nephew (Richard Crane) comes to town to claim the estate--he somehow KNOWS what's occurred even though no one knew the old guy had any relatives. This nephew seems like one of the nicest fellows you could ever meet (though oddly, he never seems to sweat--even here in the desert heat) and the townsfolk are surprised that the nasty old crank could have a nice family member! However, the audience soon sees that Crane is actually a devil worshiper and is using this power to harm people in order to get what he wants out of life! One man dies while drinking milk and another is mauled by his dog and a third is kicked to death by a horse (among other horrors)--all thanks to the 'nice' young man! Overall, I was quite impressed by the film. While mostly unknown actors, the cast did a very capable job--not what you might expect from a low-budget horror film. The writing was very good--with lots of creepy scenes and characters. Plus, with film work and music that all contribute nicely to the mood, you can't help but enjoy the film.By the way....if I were the police, I'd deputize that Cairn Terrier!!

JohnHowardReid Made in 1958, but not released until 1961 (and then in a cut version), The Devil's Partner turns out to be an interesting variation on Faust, despite a number of script and story inconsistencies (and welcome plot twists from the rather bland pressbook synopsis). Helped by sympathetic acting and moody photography, director Rondeau grippingly creates a suspensefully eerie, small-town atmosphere which fully engages the attention while the film is actually unwinding. Ed Nelson does a commendable job in his dual role and is well supported all the way down the line, especially from Byron Foulger in a most unusual part as the local wino. The film also provides a rare opportunity to see the fine television player Jean Allison in a big-screen movie. Much of the film was obviously shot on actual locations. The heat-struck town of "Furnace Flats", New Mexico, seems vividly real. Photographer Edward Cronjager lends the visuals an attractive shine and, aside from one or two lapses, the make-up and special effects are generally convincing. And by the humble standards of the independent "B", production values are fairly impressive.

garland-schaefers This is a very interesting movie. Never mind the fact that its populated by TV and movie personalities from the 60's (including Uncle Charlie from Pettycoat Junction!). There are some serious holes in the plot, I'll grant you. And the quality of the DVD is even worse than usual (it looks like they just digitized the film without even dusting it off). However, the acting here was sincere, and the plot (what little you can work out) is at least not tired. I actually enjoyed it more than I expected to.