Speak of the Devil (1989)
Return to Index
Villian(s)
Demonic presence
Actor(s):
Thomas McGowan, Jean Carol, Bernice Tamara Goor, Walter Kay
Brief Description
Speak of the Devil (also released under the title The Ungodly) is a 1989 American horror-comedy B-movie directed and produced by Raphael Nussbaum. The film is a low-budget satire that blends supernatural horror elements with a parody of late-1980s televangelists. he film was made in locations in Los Angeles, California. It "introduced" actor Shawn Patrick Greenfield and included the song "You Better Be Ready/The Ballad of Jonah Johnson."
Plot:
The story follows Jonah and Isabelle Johnson, a pair of corrupt, Southern husband-and-wife televangelists who are run out of their town in disgrace. Fleeing to Los Angeles, they purchase a house with plans to establish a lucrative new ministry called "The Church of Latter Day Sin". They quickly discover the house is severely haunted by a literal demon residing in the basement. Rather than being deterred, Isabelle—unbeknownst to her husband—cuts a literal deal with the Devil to secure immense wealth, power, and influence. As their new satanic ministry thrives, the household descends into complete chaos, drawing in local neighborhood punks, skeptical construction workers, and an aggressive IRS investigation. The situation escalates into bizarre supernatural phenomena—including a cursed toilet that fills with blood, a Beelzebub creature spitting acid urine, animal sacrifices, and a chaotic climactic ritual orgy.