Director Richard (Superman: The Movie) Donner's The Omen, written by David (Prophesy: The Monster Movie) Seltzer, has reached the pages of Classic Monsters of the Movies, thanks to those scholarly scribes Nige Burton & Jamie Jones.
The Omen is, indeed, a devilish brew, inspired by the Book of Revelation, which conveys the Antichrist's advent. The latter manifests as little Damien Thorne, the boy with the "mark of the beast," played by Harvey Spencer Stephens, who draws havoc upon those who oppose his rise to global conquest.
Burton & Jones offer tiers of historic details on the 20th Century Fox blockbuster and (as has become a worthy tradition of the authors) grant respectful focus on its stars, chosen for their box-office draw and supreme ability to emote: Gregory Peck as Damien's bureaucratic dad, Robert; Lee Remick as his unwitting mom, Katherine; Billie Whitelaw as the watchful Mrs. Baylock; Patrick Troughton as the attentive but doomed Father Brennan; David Warner as the equally attentive and doomed Keith Jennings; Leo McKern as Robert's conscientious informant, Carl Bugenhagen, Martin Benson as the deceitful Father Spilleto and Holly Palance as cinema's overriding, "It's all for you," self-sacrificing nanny.
In addition to the artistic masterminds Donner and Seltzer, the prolific Jerry Goldsmith, who crafted the Oscar-winning score, receives an honorable excerpt, along with cinematographer Gilbert (Star Wars/Flash Gordon) Taylor and producer Harvey (The Lost Boys/The Goonies) Bernard, among others.
An array of rare photographs and stylish, promotional materials are strewn throughout the volume's high-stock pages, accompanied by Burton & Jones' trivia blurbs and "Quotable Quotes."
The Omen was (is) a startling, cinematic achievement and an ideal companion for The Exorcist and Rosemary's Baby. Its influence continues to this day, and it would be satisfying if Burton & Jones composed volumes on the movie's sequels/prequels and remake.
In the meantime, Classic Monsters of the Movies: The Omen 1976 can be purchased at
https://www.classic-monsters.com/shop/product/the-omen-1976-ultimate-guide-magazine/
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