Character Relationship Map: A Name for Evil

Characters

• John Blake (played by Robert Culp) — protagonist

  Central male protagonist who relocates with his wife to his great-grandfather's country estate, where they are plagued by strange occurrences.

• Joanna Blake (played by Samantha Eggar) — supporting

  Central female protagonist and John's wife who moves to the ancestral estate and experiences the haunting events alongside her husband.

• Luanna Baxter (played by Sheila Sullivan) — supporting
• Fats (played by Mike Lane) — supporting
• Hugh (played by Edward Greenhalgh) — supporting
• Mary (played by Sue Hathaway) — supporting
• Jimmy (played by Clarence 'Big' Miller) — supporting
• Minister (played by Walter Marsh) — supporting
• Secretary (played by D. Goldrick) — supporting
• Mr. Olson (played by Reg McReynolds) — supporting
• Mrs. Olson (played by Barbara Tremain) — supporting
• Orgy Girl (uncredited) (played by Rene Bond) — minor

Story Analysis

A couple faces supernatural haunting in an ancestral estate while the film's production endures severe financial and legal crises.

Plot Progression

1. Estate Relocation — A married couple moves into the man's ancestral country property, expecting a fresh start. The narrative establishes their partnership and the isolated setting.
2. Supernatural Onset — Strange occurrences begin plaguing the residents, shifting the tone from domestic drama to psychological horror. The couple must confront unexplained phenomena.
3. Production Turmoil — Behind the scenes, funding collapses and MGM abandons the project. The lead actors sue investors, creating a legal and financial crisis.
4. Reshoots & Release — Bob Guccione acquires rights, triggering reshoots and major re-edits. The film finally premieres in San Francisco, completing its troubled journey.