Satanis: The Devil’s Mass (1970)

A documentary that takes a look inside the “Church of Satan“, founded in California in the 1960s by Anton Szandor LaVey, a former circus lion tamer. Director Ray Laurent Stars Isaac Bonewits(uncredited)Anton LaVey(uncredited)Diane LaVey(uncredited) Storyline A profile of Anton LaVey and the Satanic Church that he founded in San Francisco is presented through interviews - with Le Vay himself, congregants including his current (second) wife, Christian religious leaders and people who live in the neighborhood of the church - and sequences of church services. As Le Vay states indirectly that the church was created as a response to the repression of traditional Christian religions, the rituals of the services are steeped in Christian fundamentals. Despite the use of the term “Satan“ and its general implications, Le Vay also states that the church is not built on evil, but rather embracing the sin, especially of the flesh, that is inherent within humans as opposed to Christian churches which try to hide and quash them. The congregants talk about what attracted them to the church, with a small subset talking about the connection to witchcraft. Religious leaders and Joe and Jane Public talk about what they can see of the church from the outside, including if what Le Vay has created is truly religion and a church. Le Vay’s personal life is also discussed, including what can be seen as his eccentricities in the form of Togar. Details Release date March 1970 (United States) Country of origin United States Languages EnglishLatin Also known as Succubus Filming locations San Francisco, California, USA