The Sacred Symbol is The Ormonds version of a Mondo movie, and the results are as uneven, odd, and uniquely Ormond as you might expect. Since the late Ron Ormond’s son, Tim directed the picture, there are some Christian aspects to the film, although it’s rather muted compared to the family’s other Christploitation propaganda flicks of the ‘70s. This time out, they seem to want to give a non-judgmental look at the other religions the world has to offer. (Or more likely, make up an excuse to use up as much stock footage as possible.)
The film opens in Biblical times with a couple of dudes being stoned to death for worshipping Christ. Then, we switch to the present day where an archeologist brings together members of an adventurers’ club to show them filmstrips of different religions around the world. After a lot of scenic stock footage has been spent, some grumpy members want to know what the fuss is all about, which is his cue to show off the titular sacred symbol.
The Sacred Symbol is basically a cut and paste feature. It contains everything from travelogue scenes of the Far East to a recreation of the crucifixion to a bad magic act (no, really). None of this ever gels in a meaningful sort of way, but the Ormond brand of filmmaking assures the audience they have no idea what’s going to happen next. The most memorable scenes are the Mondo movie footage of a guy lying on a bed of nails and rolling around on broken glass. The segment on self-flagellation is kinda gruesome too. (We even get to hear from Ron Ormond narrating one of the segments from beyond the grave, which is a nice touch.)
Sure, it might not be as jaw-dropping as If Footmen Tire You, What Will Horses Do, or as wild as It’s About the Second Coming, but for a religious flick that’s been cobbled together with a Mondo movie, it’s surprisingly watchable.
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