Adapting the Gothic novel The Monk, by Matthew G. Lewis,
Luis Buñuel and
Jean-Claude Carrière wrote the screenplay for this French film, directed by Buñuel's friend, Ado Kyrou. In the story, Ambrosio (
Franco Nero) is a monk who is sexually tempted by an emissary of the Devil, a young girl in monk's robes. After he has committed numerous crimes, it appears that he will be caught and punished by the Inquisition. Instead, he signs up on the Devil's team and wins his freedom...and eventually, the papacy. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide