Immediately after their miscarriage, the US diplomat Robert Thorn adopts the newborn Damien without the knowledge of his wife. Yet what he doesn’t know is that their new son is the son of the devil.
Score
Jerry Goldsmith's Latin chants still haunt churchgoers.
Practical Effects
Decapitation scene used no CGI—just brilliant editing.
Acting
Gregory Peck's dignity crumbling is devastating to watch.
Director
Richard Donner
Gregory Peck
Robert Thorn
Lee Remick
Katherine Thorn
David Warner
Keith Jennings
Billie Whitelaw
Mrs. Baylock
Harvey Stephens
Damien Thorn
Patrick Troughton
Father Brennan
Martin Benson
Father Spiletto
Tommy Duggan
Priest
John Stride
Psychiatrist
Holly Palance
Young Nanny
Anthony Nicholls
Dr. Becker
Roy Boyd
Reporter
Sheila Raynor
Mrs. Horton
Robert MacLeod
Horton
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The nanny's hanging at the birthday party was filmed in a single take with no rehearsals for genuine shock on child actors' faces.
Released in 1976 during the 'satanic panic' era, the film's marketing included fake obituaries of cast members and fueled real religious hysteria.
US
GB
