Byleth: The Demon of Incest (1972) User Reviews

Typical Monklands relationship

[Bezenby · 5/10 · 5 December 2018]

I only have a brother, and I hardly ever get the urge to shag him, so the subject of incest is all new to me. Byleth explores the subject by placing it in a more superstitious era, mixing it up with a possible supernatural angle, throwing in a whole load of nudity, and confusing the crap out of me to boot.

Mark Damon has a sister whom he likes. Really likes. He's a Duke and stays in a big castle with loads of staff giving him the glad eye but the film heavily implies that the only thing that gets Mark up and angry is his sister, played by Claudia Gravy. That's a problem, because Claudia has just returned after being away and she's got married during that time. The other problem is the serial killer going around killing red-headed women. The other other problem is that there might be a demon involved, and the other other other other other other problem is that the demon might be possessing Mark! How's he supposed to get into his sisters knickers with all that going on.

That amount of stress would usually kill all the romance dead in the water, but this is a seventies Italian film and therefore everyone's as horny as a Glaswegian lass full of blue WKD. This helps the director pad out the film with endless wriggling sex scenes that look about as natural as Kim Kardashian's arse. Mark does a lot of spying on people as well during this film, and every actress has red hair and looks similar, so things become confusing really quickly.

Is Mark possessed by a demon or is that just an excuse for him to frottage his sister's leg? Who is that guy he keeps seeing on the horse who kind of looks like him but might not be? And what happened at the end?

No really - what happened? It didn't make sense to me.

This is surprisingly watchable due to Mark Damon acting mental. He also played a guy who wanted to boff his sister in Crypt of the Living Dead.

Bizarre but beautiful cult oddity

[The_Void · 6/10 · 7 July 2008]

This strange cult oddity has been all but forgotten since its release in 1972, and I'm not really surprised at that - as while it certainly is a film with some merit, it's also really bizarre and I have no idea who the target audience might be. The name of the title is a demon, who apparently also happens to be the king of hell and who can curse a man to live in incest. Lionello is a man who has been punished by the demon and thus lusts after his own sister; which is not good news for her husband Giordano. If I had to liken this film to other films I've seen, I'd put it in with the likes of Valerie and Her Weekend of Wonders and The Reincarnation of Isabel as all these films are low on plots but high on weird goings on that don't always make a great deal of sense. This film does not benefit from a constantly intriguing narrative but there is usually just about enough going on to ensure that the film doesn't become boring. Director Leopoldo Savona creates a good style for the film and it does look very nice indeed. The film benefits from a handful of beautiful women who don't seem to mind taking their clothes off, which is also nice and care is taken with the locations also. It soon becomes apparent that the plot is not really all that important; but it is at least worthwhile and the script does bother to tie things up at the end. Overall, this is a decent if strange watch and while I wouldn't recommend anyone goes out of their way to find it; it is at least worth seeing.

A Feast For the Eyes

[Witchfinder-General-666 · 6/10 · 11 January 2010]

"Byleth - Il Demone Dell'Incesto" (1972) is an odd Italian flick that isn't very widely known; while this weird little flick is certainly no highlight of Italian 70s Horror, however, it is definitely a beautifully made film that most of my fellow Italo-Horror buffs should enjoy. "Byleth" is an overall very weird little film, with a somewhat confused storyline which doesn't make a lot of sense. The film makes up for what it lacks in continuity, however, with a very beautiful visual style and intense Gothic atmosphere, a great score, a ravishing female cast (and ravishing female nudity) and a pleasantly bizarre mood. As the title implies, the film has to do with incest, and with an eponymous demon; not wishing to spoil anything, I will not continue with a plot description - but even if I did wish to write a synopsis of the storyline, it would probably take me a long time to do so, as it is so very bizarre and, to put it mildly, doesn't always make perfect sense.

"Byleth" is not the sleazefest one might expect from an Italian 70s film titled "The Demon of Incest". The film is erotic, of course, and features a lot of elegant and tasteful female nudity. The female cast members (all but one redheads) are all very beautiful, and, fortunately for us, none of them are afraid to bare it for the camera. However, apart from the obvious Incest topic, which is never that explicitly depicted, this one's sleaze factor is not far above average for Italian 70s exploitation standards.

Set in 19th century Italy, "Byleth" is a nice blend of atmospheric Gothic Horror and occultism and tasteful eroticism, which also includes some Giallo-elements. Director Leopoldo Savona isn't very renowned, but although this is his only Horror film he definitely succeeded in creating a nice mood here. Regular leading man Mark Damon, who is maybe best known to Horror fans for his roles in Roger Corman's "House of Usher" (1960, starring Vincent Price) and Mario Bava's "I Tre Volti Della Paura" (aka. "Black Sabbath", 1963), fits well in his role here, as a young Duke with a somewhat exaggerated affection to his sister (played by Claudia Gravy). But who could blame him? She's hot! The female cast members are the most ravishing sight of this generally beautifully looking film. "Byleth" is shot in very nice locations, with great set-pieces and accentuated by a truly wonderful score. With such a feast for the eyes, a somewhat lacking plot becomes secondary. Apart from its beauty, the film has some moments that are genuinely creepy, though it never actually becomes scary. Overall, this is certainly a 'style over substance' film, but warmly recommended to my fellow Italian Horror buffs, especially to those who appreciate atmosphere and beauty in a film. 6.5/10

Not as sleazy as it sounds.

[BA_Harrison · 5/10 · 24 September 2020]

Countess Barbara (Claudia Gravy) returns home after a year of gallivanting around Europe, much to the delight of lovestruck Duke Lionello Shandwell (Mark Damon, who looks like a cross between Doug McClure and Martin Landau). A couple of problems: 1) she announces that she has got married, and 2) Lionello is her brother (Barbara is a total babe, but that's no excuse). Jealous Lionello proceeds to spy on his sister and her new husband Giordano (Aldo Bufi Landi), including when the couple are making love; meanwhile, a mysterious figure is killing local women with a three bladed weapon. Giordano comes to suspect that Lionello is possessed by the demon Byleth, who causes its victims to kill and live in incest.

Byleth: The Demon of Incest features plenty of nudity and sex, with some very attractive actresses revealing all for their art, but despite the film's salacious title, it really isn't all that depraved. Shame. With a little more deviancy and a lot more gore (the murders are extremely tame, with just a few trickles of blood), this could have been a classic of Italian sleaze, but as it stand. it's actually surprisingly bland, nothing much of interest happening between the soft-core romps and lacklustre deaths.

The incest angle finally comes into fruition moments before the end, when Lionello gives in to his urges and Barbara willingly obliges (he's possessed by a demon... what's her excuse?), but the sex is only suggested (keeping it 'tasteful'). Lionello wakes to discover Barbara dead, three wounds on her neck, and goes in search of Byleth for revenge, leading to a rather confusing climax in which the demon appears, looking like Lionello in drag-queen make-up. As erotic gothic Euro-horrors go, this one is merely run-of-the-mill, not nearly as controversial or taboo-busting as the title suggests.

A minor horror.

[parry_na · 5/10 · 12 September 2018]

In many ways, this could be the latter-day Hammer film you never saw. And yet, despite the provocative title, it is actually quite insipid, although visually rich (hence the Hammer comparison). Equally, although there is a fair amount of nudity on display, this never really becomes as sleazy as the title might suggest.

In his only horror outing, director Leopoldo Savona takes advantage of his locations and infuses them with a nice gothic atmosphere, but fails to inject any pace to the proceedings. Leads Mark Damon and the wonderfully named Claudia Gravy are fine in their roles, and the revelation at the (very abrupt) end is hardly surprising.

A minor horror that fails to live up to its lurid title.

Demon of incest

[BandSAboutMovies · 5/10 · 20 May 2022]

Leopoldo Savano also made Death Falls Lightly so he had experience with the giallo. This movie may be set in the 19th century yet seeing as how it's about a series of murders and the investigation mentions a strange three-bladed weapon, it most definitely has strains of the giallo mixed in with the gothic.

Savona based the demonic part of the film on the demon Beleth, which he read about in the book Pseudomonarchia Daemonum. Beleth or Byleth is a king of Hell who has eighty-five legions of demons under his command. When he appears, he is usually riding a pale horse and his physical form is proceeded by music. He was first invoked by Noah's son Ham, who wrote a math book with the help of this demon. Beleth appears as a fearsome demon and will test the magician who has invoked him, demanding respect and potentially even killing them if they can't gain control over him. When they do, he will reveal his - its? - true form of a beautiful woman who can seduce anyone and bring them into the bed of its conjurer.

Lionello Shandell (Mark Damon, The Devil's Wedding Night) has been in love with his sister Barbara (Claudia Gravy, Two Undercover Angels) since they were children. After a year away, he returns to find her married to Giordano (Aldo Bufi Landi).

Each night, he watches them make love and then takes off for the countryside, killing a series of women who have the same red tresses as his sister. Once the maid Gisella and Giordano's cousin Floriana are killed in the same way, Lionello becomes the main suspect. We all know he's found his warlock father's occult library, we know he's the killer but we're still surprised by the end of this film.

Byleth is the kind of Eurohorror sleaze that I love to have on in the background to remind myself that life is more than just sitting in a room writing all day, never seeing the outside world. 1972 was a wild time to be making movies in Italy and I love that this film exists.

Decidedly odd at times

[christopher-underwood · 7/10 · 21 February 2013]

A rather slight but beguiling film that defies categorisation. It doesn't have much truck with a coherent narrative flow either but then it is the malformed or only partly successfully realised films that so often seem to capture the attention of the more jaded cinema viewer. Incest is, I guess, the big ingredient here and the reason why the film has slipped out of availability, but it is linked up with demonic possession too. Oh and rather a lot of naked flesh and erotic goings on. These scenes are well shot and the girls all seem attractive, in fact they also look rather similar to each other, intentionally, I assume, and all but one seems to have red hair. Indeed the outdoor scenes are also attractive and so even when the 'plot' is coming a little unstuck, there is always something beautiful or strange to look at. Decidedly odd at times, this is that little bit different and if there is little blood in the killings we certainly get startling facial close-ups and giallo like wide eyed deaths.

deserve to get a proper release

[trashgang · 6/10 · 28 September 2009]

Hunting after OOP and rare horrors I fell on this one. But I had to be sure that it had some subs because it's an Italian movie. A lot of copies are available but most of them are in Italian without subs. But you really need those subs to understand the movie. The only label that has it with subs is the X Rated Kult release. I know, you pay a lot more than the price for a copy but what you'll get is a uncut version with English subs and a real nice hard box with beautiful art. The only problem I have is were to catalogue this flick. There is no real horror in it, there is almost 1 minute of blood in it and that part is just filled with some blood drops. Further on it's all about demons but when the demon appears it has a human face. Really something to say, this is crap but somehow the movie doesn't fail to keep you attracted to the end. It's a bit weird, I wont spoil it to tell that it's all about incest between brother and sister. From there on things got worser. It really never frightens or deliver you the shivers but somehow it got me. It wouldn't be Italian without a lot of nudity included. Not being a real Giallo freak, wouldn't say this one is, this one got my attention; it's out there and just like the demon Byleth, you will have to search the net to find the X Rated version, for the moment it is still available but be aware with X Rated, once it becomes OOP the prices go up and up...

Italian Gothic sleaze.

[HumanoidOfFlesh · 7/10 · 8 May 2010]

A young man possessed by the demon spirit of incest since he was a boy is morbidly in love with his sister.Toss in some female victims,all killed naked with a three-points blade and the fact that this was the first time incest themes were documented in an Italian horror film this way and you have sleazy winner.So I finally watched X-Rated Cult DVD of "Byleth" and I must say that I enjoyed this Gothic mood piece.Strange and atmospheric little horror film that is beautifully shot and has a great score.There is plenty of atmosphere until the climax,which is a big disappointment.Plenty of soft-core sex and full-frontal nudity kept me constantly interested.7 out of 10.

FORBIDDEN AFFECTION

[kirbylee70-599-526179 · 6/10 · 17 December 2019]

I'd never heard of this film and as with so many others released by Severn I was truly interested to see what I would find. The title made me think this was going to turn out to be little more than another Eurotrash film but what I watched was more than that. Instead I found a solid thriller that was more enjoyable than I expected.

Gothic in tone and odd in horror, the film takes place in the late 19th century in Italy. Young landowner Lionello Shandell (Marc Damon) is excitedly awaiting the arrival of his sister Barbara (Marie-Claude Perin). While knowing that being in love with his sister is a forbidden sin, Lionello still holds a sexual attraction for her and longs for her return.

When she finally arrives he is thrilled to see her once again. Subtle movements towards her show that his affections for her are more than brotherly but she avoids him during those moments. Eventually she reveals to him that while she was away she married and that her husband Giordano (Aldo Bufi Landi) will be arriving as well.

This leaves Lionello distraught and in the grips of jealousy, even though he knows she's done nothing wrong. He sulks, hides out in various locations of the land they own and does little to make Giordano feel welcome. Giordano does his best to get along with his new brother-in-law but to no avail.

It isn't long before strange things begin happening on the estate as well as the nearby towns. Murders begin to take place and we watch from the point of view of the killer as they take place. Could it be that Lionello's rage has overtaken him and he's responsible? Or is something else causing these deaths to occur?

The movie is well made with a stylish appearance to the entire production. In addition to that the performances here are all done with excellence as well losing nothing in translation. Add to that a story that is as intriguing as this one is and it makes for a fun night's viewing. The pacing is a tad slow but can be forgiven while watching.

While the films is described as risqué in reality the sex and nudity on display are little more than what could be found on HBO or Cinemax late night viewing when they were prone to show their slightly altered late night porn films. Actually there is even less on display here than in those. And it's all done in a tasteful manner in spite of the title of the film.

Severn has saved this film from obscurity offering it in a great restoration. Scanned in 2k from negative elements that were recently discovered in a Madrid lab vault they present it in as good a shape as can possibly be found. No extras are offered with this release but the odds are there were none to be found as rare as the film is. For that reason alone one has to give credit to Severn for taking on the task of releasing this film and saving it from disappearing altogether.

Byleth..much better than i remembered

[gorytus-20672 · 7/10 · 10 August 2021]

Aug 21

I have just got to see Byleth for only the 2nd time, a few years after the first viewing and i was pleasantly surprised how much i enjoyed it.

Italian gothic type horror starring Mark Damon and Claudia Gravy, well worth finding out.

I was slightly disappointed with the abrupt ending and a couple of times there appeared to be little flashback scenes will no explanation as to why and who the women were supposed to be.

On the whole pretty decent.

7.5 out of 10.

Nice slice of obscure Eurosleaze horror

[Woodyanders · 7/10 · 9 August 2021]

Handsome, but unhinged nobleman Duke Lionello (a sturdy and intense performance by Mark Damon) has lustful incestuous feelings for his beautiful married sister Barbara (the ravishing Claudia Gravy). Pretty soon various women start popping up dead with strange wounds on their necks. Is Lionello responsible for these murders?

Director/co-writer Leopoldo Savona relates the enjoyably lurid story at a steady pace, offers a flavorsome period atmosphere along with a reasonable amount of gloom-doom Gothic mood, and delivers lots of tasty female nudity plus a satisfying smattering of sizzling softcore sex. The solid acting by the capable cast helps a lot: Aldo Bufi Landi as Barbara's worried husband Giordano, Alessandro Perrella as a meddlesome judge, Fernando Cerulli as a concerned doctor, and Silvana Panfili as the lovely Floriana. Although the plot drags at times and the murder scenes could have used more bloody punch, this film overall is still worth a watch for fans of lesser known European horror fare.