Just watched this movie two weeks ago and really wanted to share my opinion especially after seeing the low rating. I think 17,000 fans on Facebook would disagree with the rating The level of acting and the intensity of all the performances have, without exception, always taken my breath away. It is a movie that I love and will never tire of watching.
You forget, as you watch the movie, that pretty much the entire movie takes place in one courtroom. Movies today, actors today, would not be able to maintain the level of suspense that this movie created and hold your attention for the entire hour and 36 minutes. It starts off slowly, and you become part of the jury in this brain-teaser, frustrated as one man holds out because "he is not sure" if he's Satan.
Malcolm McDowell gives an amazing performance as the devil but all the actors give tour de force performances, and you sit mesmerized as one by one they are all converted to Christ. The movie is also a good social commentary of the times, regarding the racial intolerance, prejudices and biases that governed people today. There are still faith-based bigots hiding behind a tree as evidenced by the low rating. And watching it again today, I would say not much has really changed! Excellent performances