Five year old Damien Thorn is an unassuming, deliriously cute little boy. He's also the Son of Satan.

As the diminutive prophet of doom reaches his fifth birthday, adoptive parents Robert Thorn (Peck) and his lovely wife Katherine (Remick) slowly begin to realize Damien's dark and deadly powers.

Soon, they come to understand Damien's true purpose on earth: world domination! And woe be to any who get in his way...

Excellently crafted with good production values and a menacing Jerry Goldsmith score, this modern gem is supported by perfect performances from tormented Peck and tragic Remick.

Equally good is Billie Whitelaw as Damien's nanny Mrs. Baylock. Whitelaw cuts a figure of sheer evil as Satan's appointed protectress for the little boy. Her stoic demeanor, icy eyes, and sneering smile will give you nightmares for days.

The gore sequences satisy, including a stunning decapitation, a hanging nanny and an impaled priest.

A must see, this is purified, professional terror - and among the best of the horrors inspired by William Friedkin's The Exorcist (1973).