I Warn All of You Never Never Never
Sir Christopher Lee, the legendary British actor renowned for his chilling portrayal of Dracula in the 1958 Hammer Horror film, was not only a towering figure in cinema but also an avid collector of literature with a deep interest in various cultural domains.
Despite rumors exaggerating the size of his collection, Lee clarified that he did not possess the thousands of books some speculated, but he did hold some notable volumes. Among the gems in his collection were a first edition of “The Devil Rides Out,” personally signed by Dennis Wheatley, and a book titled “The Devil is a Gentleman.” These books reflect Lee’s fascination with the darker aspects of myth and folklore, topics that resonated with his iconic film roles.
Sir Christopher Lee clarified that he actually owned “maybe four or five” thousand books, thus confirming the titles and the approximate number of books in his collection.
Lee offered a stern warning about the real-world implications of looking too deeply into the occult. Having encountered individuals who claimed involvement in Satanism and black magic, he emphasized the dangers associated with such practices. Lee cautioned emphatically against the pursuit of these dark arts. Sir Christopher Lee quote: “I warn all of you never never never. You will not only lose your mind, you’ll lose your soul.” This statement emphasizes his strong caution against engaging with Satanism or black magic, highlighting the severe risks he believed were associated with such practices.
This advice from someone who so convincingly portrayed supernatural evil on screen carried a significant weight, suggesting a profound understanding of the line between fiction’s allure and reality’s peril.
“The Devil Rides Out,” authored by Dennis Wheatley, is a gripping novel that looks into the realms of black magic and the occult. Published in 1934, this story is set against the backdrop of 1930s London and Southern England, where the Duke de Richleau and Rex van Ryn embark on a daring mission to rescue their friend Simon Aron from the clutches of a devil-worshipping cult. The narrative weaves a tale of suspense, featuring a coven of Satanists and a series of desperate measures undertaken by the protagonists to save their friend and confront the powers of evil personified by the antagonist Mocata, a powerful magician with sinister plans.
Dennis Wheatley, the mind behind this novel, was a renowned English author whose prolific output included stylish thrillers and occult novels, making him one of the world’s best-selling authors during the 1950s and 1960s. “The Devil Rides Out” stands out as one of his most celebrated works, appreciated for its well-crafted plot, rich character development, and the intricate weaving of supernatural elements with human emotions and relationships. The story’s exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil, set against the backdrop of occult practices, offers readers a thrilling journey into the darker aspects of the human psyche and the unseen forces that shape our world.
Sir Christopher Lee’s deep interest in the occult, reflected in his personal library that included significant works underscores a fascinating intersection between his iconic film roles and his personal explorations of the darker aspects of spirituality. His earnest warnings against engaging with the occult, drawn from personal experiences and encounters, emphasize the very real consequences he believed were tied to these practices. Lee’s insights and Wheatley’s narratives serve as a compelling reminder of the occult’s enduring allure and the caution one must exercise when approaching its shadowy realms.
