The Omen (1976)

Robert Thorn: If there were anything wrong, you’d tell me, wouldn’t you?
Kathy Thorn: Wrong? What could be wrong with our child, Robert? We’re beautiful people, aren’t we?

I’m not a big fan of possessed children movies.  This one is solid and watchable with a horrific climax.

The movie starts at 6 a.m. on the sixth day of the sixth month.  Robert Thorn is the American Ambassador in Rome.  His wife Kathy (Lee Remick) gives birth to a much-wanted stillborn baby boy.  A priest at the hospital offers the baby of a mother who has died in childbirth on the same day at the hospital.  Robert agrees but keeps the switch a secret from Kathy.  Robert is appointed as the American Ambassador to the Court of Saint James shortly thereafter.

When the child Damien reaches about five years, weird things start happening.  His nanny commits suicide and is replaced by sinister new nurse Mrs. Baylock (Billie Whitelaw) who brings with her a satanic Rottweiler as a “pet” for the boy.  When his parents try to take him to church, he throws a fit.  The animals at the zoo freak out in his presence,

I’m going to omit a lot of details now.  At any rate, several people warn Robert that Damien is the Anti-Christ (or at the very least a menace that must be eliminated).  Much horrific bloodshed follows.  With Leo McKern as an expert.

I have to give this props for not being near as gross as The Exorcist.  I had avoided it on original release for fear it would be.  This kept my interest throughout and the third act was suitably territying.  I am sure there are many people who liked it better than I did.

Jerry Goldsmith won the Oscar for Best Original Score.  The film was also nominated for Best Original Song (“Ave Santini”).