# In 1971, Oliver Reed took on a controversial role and turned down his salary, unaware it would be his favourite performance

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1971-oliver-reed-took-on-a-controversial-role-and-turned-down-his-salary-unaware-it-would-be-his-favourite-performance/
- Published: 2026-11-06T02:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T03:37:40+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/controversial-1971-role-oliver-reed-turned-down-salary/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- Reed called *The Devils* his favourite role.
- He and Russell took profits rather than salaries.
- The film’s uncensored version has returned to cinemas.

## Summary

Oliver Reed’s role as Father Urbain Grandier in Ken Russell’s 1971 film *The Devils* became his favourite performance. Reed accepted a share of the profits instead of a salary because he and Russell believed the film’s challenge to religious and political bigotry was timely.

The film depicts a 17th-century priest caught up in mass hysteria and political manoeuvring, and was controversial for its sexual and religious imagery. Reed said he and Russell received expenses but no pay; despite their hopes, the film was not a financial success in the United States. A newly released uncut version allows audiences to see scenes that had long been removed.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.