Ken Russell film The Devils sees extended theatrical run after box office success

The restored version of Ken Russell’s 1971 film, The Devils, has achieved unexpected box office success, leading Warner Bros.’ new specialty label, Clockwork, to extend its theatrical run indefinitely. Originally intended as a one-week event, the film earned $1.8 million from 350 North American locations, maintaining a per-screen average of over $5,000. It has since reached $3.3 million at the box office.

The film, which depicts the 17th-century trial of priest Urbain Grandier in France, was famously censored and suppressed upon its original release. This restoration presents the uncensored version, including scenes previously removed by studios. The release marks the first NC-17 film in Warner Bros.’ history.

In Ireland, the film is receiving its first major cinematic release in 55 years. Due to historical censorship and the country’s religious climate at the time of the film’s original release, it was largely unavailable to Irish audiences. The current release follows a significant restoration project aimed at presenting the film as the director intended.