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Witchfinder General (1968) 6.8
England is torn in civil strife as the Royalists battle the Parliamentary Party for control. This conflict distracts people from rational thought and allows unscrupulous men to gain local ... See full summary » Director:Michael Reeves |
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Title: Witchfinder General (1968)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Vincent Price | ... | ||
| Ian Ogilvy | ... |
Richard Marshall
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Rupert Davies | ... |
John Lowes
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Patrick Wymark | ... | |
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Wilfrid Brambell | ... |
Master Loach
(as Wilfred Brambell)
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Hilary Heath | ... |
Sara Lowes
(as Hilary Dwyer)
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Robert Russell | ... |
John Stearne
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Nicky Henson | ... |
Trooper Robert Swallow
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Tony Selby | ... |
Tom Salter
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Michael Beint | ... |
Captain Gordon
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| Bernard Kay | ... |
Fisherman
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Beaufoy Milton | ... |
Priest
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John Trenaman | ... |
Trooper Harcourt
(as John Treneman)
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Bill Maxwell | ... |
Trooper Gifford
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Peter Thomas | ... |
Farrier
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
England is torn in civil strife as the Royalists battle the Parliamentary Party for control. This conflict distracts people from rational thought and allows unscrupulous men to gain local power by exploiting village superstitions. One of these men is Matthew Hopkins, who tours the land offering his services as a persecutor of witches. Aided by his sadistic accomplice John Stearne, he travels from city to city and wrenches confessions from "witches" in order to line his pockets and gain sexual favors. When Hopkins persecutes a priest, he incurs the wrath of Richard Marshall, who is engaged to the priest's niece. Risking treason by leaving his military duties, Marshall relentlessly pursues the evil Hopkins and his minion Stearne. Written by Ed Sutton <esutton@mindspring.com>
Taglines:
The Year's Most Violent Film! [UK Theatrical] See more »Parents Guide:
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See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
UKLanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
May 1968 (UK) See more »Also Known As:
Conqueror Worm See more »Box Office
Budget:
$175,000 (estimated)Company Credits
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company contact information
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IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
MonoColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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[United States Conqueror Worm versions]
Matthew Hopkins: [voiceover] LO! 't is a gala night/Within the lonesome latter years./An angel throng, bewinged, bedight/In veils, and drowned in tears,/Sit in a theatre to see/A play of hopes and fears,/While the orchestra breathes fitfully/The music of the spheres."
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Paul Ferris, who wrote the film's dramatic music score, also acted in the movie under the pseudonym Morris Jar as a homage to film composer Maurice Jarre. See more »Goofs
When Stearne is captured by the Cavalry Troopers, one asks another if a Pikeman is required in His Platoon. In fact, only the Infantry used Pikes. See more »Quotes
[first lines][United States Conqueror Worm versions]
Matthew Hopkins: [voiceover] LO! 't is a gala night/Within the lonesome latter years./An angel throng, bewinged, bedight/In veils, and drowned in tears,/Sit in a theatre to see/A play of hopes and fears,/While the orchestra breathes fitfully/The music of the spheres."
See more »
A powerful and unsettling film which is definitely not for the weak - kneed. Not easy to watch in some parts. But the mid-17th century was a turbulent time in British history with a civil war raging and the foul menace of devil worship festering throughout the countrysyde.
All the players do a fine job. Although, Vincent Price is, of course, the stand-out performer. No other actor was able to portray genuine evil quite as effectively. There's no high camp fooling around in this one. What a brilliant talent he was.
The music in this picture also deserves a special mention, particularly the opening theme which magnificently recreates an appropriate 17th century mood. Michael Reeves sheer production skill overcame the limitations of what was obviously a tight budget.
I personally believe that the 1960s was the golden era of English cinema and television. Check the internet for extensive biographical information on the real Matthew Hopkins- WITCHFINDER.