A 1976 supernatural horror film directed by Richard Donner from a screenplay by David Seltzer. It is a joint production of the United Kingdom and the United States, becoming the first part of the famous franchise. The plot tells about Damien Thorn — a little child whom his father replaces in the maternity hospital after their real newborn dies. The mother, Katherine, is unaware of this. As Damien grows up, strange and tragic events begin to occur around him. Over time, it becomes clear that the child is none other than the prophesied Antichrist. Principal photography began on October 6, 1975, and lasted 11 weeks, ending on January 9, 1976. The film was shot on location in London (including Bishops Park in Fulham) and in Surrey — for example, the cathedral scenes were filmed at Guildford Cathedral, and the Thorn family's country mansion was at Pyrford Court. The church shown in the Bishops Park area is All Saints Church in Fulham. The final climactic scene was filmed at St. Peter's Church in Staines-upon-Thames. Some scenes were also shot at Shepperton Studios, as well as in Jerusalem and Rome. One of the most memorable scenes is the baboon attack on Katherine's car at the zoo. Initially, the crew tried to provoke the animals by placing food around the car and putting a baby baboon in the back seat with a zookeeper. However, this did not work. Then they placed an alpha baboon in the car instead of the baby, which caused real aggression from the pack. As the director later recounted, actress Lee Remick's reaction in that scene was completely genuine — the fear was real. The film received critical and audience acclaim, and composer Jerry Goldsmith won an Academy Award for Best Original Score.

Filming Locations:

Tel Megiddo

In the Movie

Scene where Robert and Keith go to Israel. There they meet Carl Bugenhagen, an expert on exorcism and the Antichrist. Bugenhagen explains that if Damien is indeed the Antichrist, he must have a birthmark in the form of three sixes — the mark of the beast. He gives Robert a set of seven sacred daggers that can kill Damien, but only on consecrated ground.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Tel Megiddo, an archaeological site in northern Israel, near the modern kibbutz Megiddo, about 30 kilometers southeast of Haifa. This place, also known by its Greek name Armageddon, has great historical, strategic, and religious significance.

Park

In the Movie

Scene where Damien and his family enjoy a peaceful walk in a green park. The father holds the boy in his arms, the mother smiles, admiring the landscape. Around them are well-groomed trees, soft grass, and a sense of serenity.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Parliament Hill, a picturesque part of Hampstead Heath in north London, near the Highgate area. It is an open hilltop with a wide view of the city center, from where on a clear day you can see major London landmarks, including the spire of St. Paul's Cathedral and the skyscrapers of the City.

Robert's Office (American Embassy in London)

In the Movie

Scene where Father Brennan comes to Robert's office to warn him about Damien's true nature. He hints that the child is not human but an embodiment of evil, and insists that Robert receive Holy Communion. Brennan claims that Damien is the son of Satan and reveals that Katherine is pregnant again. He warns that if nothing is done, Damien will kill his unborn brother and then the parents themselves.

In Reality

The scene was filmed inside the American Embassy building on Grosvenor Square in London, which from 1960 to 2017 served as the official diplomatic mission of the United States in the United Kingdom. The building was designed by the famous modernist architect Eero Saarinen and opened in 1960. It became the first modern building in central London intended for the needs of the US Embassy.