This film could have been so much better, and it starts off with an interesting premise and some very scary moments, but quickly goes downhill as it becomes way too talky and forecloses on its promise to deliver some real chills. The best moment comes early on in the film (and much later towards the end), introducing the character of garden obsessed older woman who is rude to local children and her loyal black maid, wrongfully accusing her of stealing. Of course this old lady has a secret of her own (love of drink), so she's quite hypocritical in her judgment of others. When she finds herself alone late one night, she feels something weird going on in her garden and ventures out only to face her final curtain. It's a truly scary moment, and I hoped that it would lead to other similar scenes of hypocritical critical characters getting their comeuppance for using their alleged reverence towards God as an excuse to criticize others for their Christian shortcomings. One of those men is an older Orson Welles lookalike, a pompous blowhard and bully, very similar to the Lionel Barrymore character from "It's a Wonderful Life".

Seeing someone pulled down to hell by hands coming up from the ground gave me shivers, and I'm glad I did not watch this one before I went to bed. The flames that surround the character return for others, and other than a few moments of some awesome gory retribution at the end, with the presence of the grim reaper (possibly the minister who appears in the opening moments) and a brimstone castle of damnation which Is followed by a unique twist. This had the potential of being quite unique and eerie, with "Dante's Inferno" references, but the slow middle sequence really is detrimental to the film overall. I wonder if this had some church involved with its message of hypocrisy, but that would havd to be a liberal church for sure. For the most part, the cast is pretty good and everyone plays their role sincerely without their tonguing cheek, seeming much more professional than the obvious budget would allow. The thrills outweigh the snores, but it's best to be wide awake when starting the film from scratch.

Right when I was about to hit the eject button on my remote control, they introduced the villain, which was beyond creepy, forcing me to watch this film until the end credits.

Where this film goes south, actually is a combination of many things. From the terrible acting, to poor characterization and the seldom used Grim Reaper. But horror fans should watch this just to catch a glimpse of one of horror's most ghastly looking villains.

The slow spots in this film are unbearable, as the fastforward button was made for movies like this. Just fastforward to the images of the Grim Reaper, I guarantee you'll be impressed.

Unhappy with the output of films coming out of Hollywood and determined to show he could do it better or just as well, Early Owensby built his own studio in Shelby, North Carolina in the 1970s. His studio would go on to make a number of low budget films that filled drive-ins and grindhouses across the country. Among the films that were made there was an unusual horror piece called A DAY OF JUDGEMENT, now available from Severin.

The film is less horror feature and more morality tale. It takes place in a small Southern town in 1920. Reverend Cage (Charles Reynolds) is about to leave the town, his flock having diminished to just three old women. Feeling he has failed them he has called for a new leader for the church. As he leaves the town and is about to cross a covered bridge he feels a cold breeze and watches as the new church leader makes his way into town.

We then get to meet the people of this small town. There is Mrs. Fitch, an elderly woman who likes to drink all too much. This is your typical old biddy who threatens the local children who come anywhere near her precious garden. This eventually leads her to poisoning the children's pet goat. She berates her servant who leaves her tired of her ways.

Then there is George Clay, a young man who runs the service station his parents own. He longs to be rid of having to take care of his parents, ignoring the fact that they've built this business in the hopes of providing him a means to live when they are gone.

There is Mr. Sharpe, the unscrupulous town banker. Not only did he refuse to help Rev. Cage he has also done wrong to a local farmer named Morgan. Morgan was left funds gifted to him by neighbor Jess Hill to purchase seed so he can keep his farm. But Sharpe refuses to acknowledge the loan and forecloses on Morgan.

Then there is Ruby Kaylor. Ruby is married to the owner of the local clothing store, Harvey Kaylor. But she's only married Harvey for his money. On the side she's seeing his employee Kenny. They have a weekend tryst planned at her home while Harvey is away but he returns earlier than expected.

Lastly there is Charlie Milford who is certain that his wife is having an affair with his superior Sid Martin. He begins to harass Martin in various ways until he finally confront him with a loaded gun.

Each of these people will have to atone for their actions. That judgement will be delivered by the new Reverend, the grim reaper in disguise. And judgement will be harsh.

The film moves along at a slow pace and the look of the film is honestly a bit low level. It feels like a production from a local community theater rather than a feature film. The performances are all lacking and the story, while having a nice twist at the end, feels kind of predictable. For myself it wasn't entertaining enough for me to recommend it but I am certain there are fans out there who will love this offering.

Severin Films is offering the film with a newly scanned 2k print from the IP for the first time ever. Extras include "The Atheist's Sins" a commentary by author Stephen Thrower and "Tales of Judgement" and interview with filmmaker Worth Keeter and writer Thom McIntyre.