Evilspeak (1981) is one of those cult horror films that mixes Satanic panic, computer-age paranoia, and revenge fantasy into a gloriously strange early-80s package. Below is a full, rich, and spoiler-heavy guide to the movie, covering all major aspects from plot to production.
Detailed Summary
The Bullying of Stanley Coopersmith
Stanley Coopersmith (played by Clint Howard) is an outcast cadet at a military academy. Weak, ridiculed, and constantly bullied by his peers and mocked by his superiors, Stanley embodies the archetype of the lonely outsider. Early scenes establish the academy as a place where cruelty thrives unchecked.
His punishment often includes menial chores in the institution’s dark, dusty cellar, which becomes the birthplace of the supernatural events that follow.
Discovery of the Satanic Tome
In the cellar, Stanley uncovers a hidden chamber containing the occult artifacts of a 16th-century Satanic priest named Esteban. He finds Esteban’s ancient Latin grimoire, but since he can’t read it, he decides to type the text into the school computer. This is where the film becomes uniquely weird: a computer-based Satanic ritual.
The computer begins translating the text, and Stanley realizes he’s communicating with an otherworldly demonic force. From here, each disturbance in Stanley’s life pushes him further toward embracing this dark power.
Rituals Begin and Tension Builds
As the bullies escalate their torment, Stanley uses the computer to perform spells and summon Esteban’s influence. Violent incidents increase around campus—animals behave strangely, people feel threatened—but the adults ignore every warning sign.
When the bullies kill Stanley’s beloved pet boar, the final emotional break occurs. The film shifts into full-throttle supernatural horror.
The Breaking Point: Communion with Esteban
Stanley fully commits to Esteban’s teachings. The computer becomes a demonic interface, responding with glowing text and synthesized voice. The rituals reach completion, paving the way for the final massacre.
Movie Ending
The ending of Evilspeak is over-the-top, bloody, and exactly what the audience has been waiting for.
During a chapel event, the bullies launch their cruelest humiliation yet, publicly shaming Stanley. At this moment, his completed ritual takes effect.
Stanley is overtaken by demonic energy. In a dramatic sequence, he levitates, gains a fiery, glowing aura, and appears wearing Satanic armor, wielding a sword forged in hell.
He unleashes telekinetic destruction and summons a swarm of demonic boars that rip through the academy staff and students. Chaos fills the chapel as fire erupts, heads fly, and the bullies meet gruesome ends.
The climax ends with almost the entire academy slaughtered.
In the epilogue, a newspaper headline reveals that Stanley survived, is confined to a mental institution, and shows no remorse. The last image is Stanley’s cold, possessed stare—suggesting that Esteban lives on through him, and that the evil might spread beyond the academy.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. Evilspeak does not contain a post-credits or mid-credits scene. Once the credits roll, the movie is done.
Type of Movie
Evilspeak is a Satanic supernatural horror film with elements of revenge, teen horror, and early-computer-age paranoia. It mixes occult themes with technological anxieties in a uniquely early-80s way.
Cast
- Clint Howard as Stanley Coopersmith
- R. G. Armstrong as Sarge
- Don Stark as Bubba
- Joseph Cortese as Reverend Jameson
- Hamilton Camp as Kowalski
- Claude Earl Jones as Coach
- Richard Moll as Father Esteban
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Roger Kellaway, whose music alternates between eerie organ-driven sequences and suspense-building orchestration. The soundtrack helps maintain the film’s devil-meets-technology mood.
Filming Locations
- Culver City, California – Military Academy Grounds
Most of the film was shot in and around old structures that functioned well as a rigid, cold military academy environment. The oppressive architecture reinforces Stanley’s isolation and psychological decline. - Basement/Cellar Sets
These sets were critical for establishing the film’s occult atmosphere. The church-like underground chambers help connect Stanley’s modern-day suffering with Esteban’s centuries-old evil.
Awards and Nominations
The film did not receive major mainstream awards, but it has since gained cult status and is frequently highlighted in horror retrospectives for its bold mixture of computers and Satanism. It became a talking point as one of the early titles banned under the UK’s “Video Nasties” list.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film’s Satanic-computer concept was considered daring for 1981, when home computers were still a novelty.
- Clint Howard has stated that the bullying scenes were emotionally difficult because of their intensity.
- The boar attack sequence required extensive safety planning due to the unpredictability of the animals.
- Richard Moll filmed all of his Esteban scenes before shaving his head for the TV show Night Court.
- Many practical effects were created with limited budget, leading to creative improvisations, especially during the fiery climax.
Inspirations and References
- Inspired partly by 1970s Satanic horror films, especially The Omen and Rosemary’s Baby.
- The idea of using a computer to summon demons riffs on rising public anxiety about technology overtaking morality.
- The film draws loosely from tropes of Satanic revenge literature, though not tied to a specific novel.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- A slightly extended ending existed where Stanley’s eyes glow red before the cut to credits, but this was removed in some theatrical versions.
- Several violent scenes were trimmed for censorship reasons, particularly in the UK release (boar attacks, sword mutilations).
- Deleted scenes included more background on Esteban’s cult, but were removed to improve pacing.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Evilspeak is not based on a specific book, though its novelization (released after the film) expands heavily on Stanley’s inner thoughts and Esteban’s history. The book offers more detailed lore but follows the movie’s general story.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Stanley discovering Esteban’s hidden chamber for the first time.
- The computer translating the Satanic text with glowing effects.
- The death of Stanley’s boar—one of the film’s emotional turning points.
- Bubble bath scene buildup to an occult attack (notorious among horror fans).
- The final massacre in the chapel with demonic armor and boars.
Iconic Quotes
- “Hail to thee, Stanley Coopersmith… Thou art now one with Esteban.”
- “Revenge is mine.”
- “The devil’s work must be done.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The glowing red computer text was partly inspired by TRS-80 computer interface displays.
- The demonic armor design is subtly modeled after medieval inquisitors.
- Several early shots include inverted crosses hidden in background architecture.
- In Coopersmith’s room, a poster referencing anti-bullying themes foreshadows the later revenge arc.
Trivia
- The film was banned in the UK as a “Video Nasty,” boosting its notoriety.
- Clint Howard considers this one of his most intense roles.
- Special effects crews had difficulty working with live boars, which caused several on-set delays.
- One of the first horror films to depict computer-assisted demon summoning, giving it a unique cult appeal.
Why Watch?
Because Evilspeak offers a mix of earnest early-80s horror, bizarre techno-occult ideas, and a classic underdog revenge narrative. If you enjoy cult cinema, practical effects, or Satanic horror, this film scratches an itch few others do. It’s messy, ambitious, and strangely unforgettable.
Director’s Other Works
- Abby (1974)
- Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell (1978)
- The Crazies (2010) – producer
Recommended Films for Fans
- Carrie (1976)
- The Omen (1976)
- Phantasm (1979)
- Christine (1983)
- Firestarter (1984)
