Il castello del diavolo Filming Locations

A mountaineer, in relating to some travelers the legends of his country, tells them the story of the somber castle in which they are interested. "Many years ago a soldier of fortune having lost in gambling his last possession, his sword, sat brooding over his situation. An unexpected friend came to his aid, for Satan, always on the alert to gain a new victim, tempted him with his wiles, and the soldier, dazzled by the alluring prospects, signed the contract given him, thus giving himself up to the devil. Satan was generous. The poor soldier was made a Baron and master of this beautiful castle, wherein he found merry companions. Their days and nights were spent in wild revels. One day two strolling minstrels attracted their attention, and they were summoned into the castle. The young girl danced, while her companion played, and so pleased was the Baron with her that he kept the dancer with him against her will. When her comrade tried to defend her he was rudely chased away. The Baron was the terror of his tenants. From his humble abode one of the peasants, unable to pay his tithe, fearfully set out on his way to the castle in company with Charles, his daughter Mary's betrothed. Charles, however, was rudely turned out and the peasant threatened with a long whipping, if, in ten days' time his debt was not paid. The day set arrived, but the peasant, still unable to pay the money, received the punishment warned him. He was again allowed an extension of a few days, but without result, and the Baron set forth for the peasant's home. Mary, the beautiful daughter, implored him to be lenient with her father, and the wicked man, attracted by her pleas, had her seized and carried away to his home, in payment of the debt. Charles saw his fiancée dragged away and vowed to save and avenge her. Tired of the Baron's oppression, the peasants arose in arms against him. During the night, in their boats, they stealthily glided along the lake bordering the castle, and successfully scaled the wall, supposed to be out of reach. The sleeping guards were overpowered, but the Baron, enjoying himself after his supper, was ignorant of his approaching fate. Mary was ordered into his presence, and the young girl advanced with hesitating steps. By a powerful effort she succeeded in freeing herself from his embrace just as Charles and his followers burst into the room. The Baron was locked in the room and the castle set on fire. Vainly he sought for a means of escape from the quickly spreading flames. His anguish was at its highest when Satan, a creditor who does not forgive a debt, again appeared with the contract to claim his victim, and together they descended into purgatory. At a safe distance from the burning castle Mary and Charles were united in marriage. And now, during stormy nights, the soul of the wicked Baron haunts the castle walls." Thus ends the story of the mountaineer.