Ken Russell's 1971 horror film The Devils, which was heavily censored and banned in parts of the UK, is set to be shown in full in UK and Irish cinemas for the first time on 30 October. The release, by BFI Distribution in partnership with Warner Bros. Clockwork, will feature a fully restored 4K cut made under Russell's direction.
Film's turbulent history
The Devils, written, produced, and directed by Russell, stars Oliver Reed as Father Urbain Grandier, a priest in 17th-century France who clashes with Cardinal Richelieu (Christopher Logue) after a spate of supposed possessions in Loudun. Richelieu manipulates a repressed nun, Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave), to accuse Grandier of witchcraft.
Before its 1971 release, Warner Bros and the BBFC forced significant cuts, removing two scenes entirely: one depicting nuns sexually defiling a statue of Jesus Christ, and another showing Sister Jeanne with the charred femur of Grandier after his execution. Despite the cuts, the film was banned by 17 local councils in the UK and in several countries, prompting walkouts, protests, and condemnation from the Vatican.
Critical acclaim despite censorship
Despite the controversy, Russell won best director awards at the 33rd Venice International Film Festival and the US National Board of Review in 1971. The film received critical acclaim, being called 'a masterpiece' and 'outstanding', as well as 'the most controversial film in history.'
The uncensored cut was reconstructed in 2004 under Russell's supervision with editor Michael Bradsell, in collaboration with Mark Kermode and Paul Joyce. Though shown in some private screenings, it has never been available to the public until now.
Significance of the restoration
Stuart Brown, BFI director of programme and distribution, said: 'Ken Russell's The Devils is one of the great masterpieces of British cinema: A film of astonishing imagination, searing power and dazzling formal brilliance.' He added that the BFI is 'thrilled' to partner with Warner Bros. Clockwork to present the restoration.
The release marks the first time in Warner Bros' 103-year history that the studio has distributed an NC-17 rated film. Brown told Metro that film restorations are 'critical for both the preservation of significant works of art, but also the education and appreciation of the history of cinema.'
London's Prince Charles Cinema will screen the film, with head of programming Paul Vickey telling Metro: 'There is no film that has been requested more often in the many years I have been here than The Devils. It transcends generational desires or niche interests.'
Amber T, lead news writer at FANGORIA, told Metro the release is 'a win in the increasingly concerning fight against censorship of the arts,' and that the film is 'a fascinating critique of institutional abuse of power.'
The Devils full cut in 4K will be shown in select UK and Irish cinemas on October 30, 2026.
