Disciple of Death (1972)

When producer Tom Parkinson needed someone to play, in his words, a "nutty sculptor" in his low budget british horror Crucible of Terror (1971) he was introduced to Mike Raven. Raven, born Austin Churton Fairman in England in 1924, changed his name to make a career as a radio DJ after a variety of jobs. One of BBC Radio 1's original DJs in 1967, he hosted a weekly r&b show until 1970. Then his break into horror movies, which he loved, came with an introduction to Hammer's Jimmy Sangster who soon cast him in Lust for a Vampire (1971). Playing the mysterious "man in black" Raven's own contribution was reduced by being dubbed and having inserts of of Christopher Lee's Dracula stare replacing his close-ups. Raven played alongside Lee in Amicus' I, Monster (1971) before meeting Tom Parkinson.

Down on the Cornish coast in mid 1971 Raven struck up a good relationship with Parkinson, so much so that they decided to collaborate further after completing Crucible of Terror. Raven, credited under his real name, had a script which was to have been made the year before for Hammer (with Sangster attached as director), Disciple of Death. Together with Parkinson they set about raising the money themselves. The idea to film in black and white was quickly abandoned so as to raise even such a miniscule budget and such restraints meant they were forced to shoot in 16mm. Though not credited, Raven co-directed with Parkinson.

Shooting, back amongst the caves of Cornwall where they made Crucible of Terror, wrapped quickly and Disciple of Death soon made its London West End debut on the week of 14th October 1972. This was only for a week, following Dr Phibes Rises Again (1972), into the New Victoria cinema, away from the prestigious Leicester Square openings. The film was not a success despite being picked up for US distribution by Avco Embassy. Raven eventually retired to become a fulltime farmer and sculptor. He died in 1997.
DAVID HANKS

Last Updated: 15 October, 2008