The Witches (1966)

Following a horrifying experience with the occult in Africa, a schoolteacher moves to a small English village, only to discover that black magic resides there as well.

Director:

Cyril Frankel

Writers:

Nigel Kneale (screenplay), Norah Lofts (novel) (as Peter Curtis)

Stars:

Joan Fontaine, Kay Walsh, Alec McCowen

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Joan Fontaine	...	Gwen Mayfield
Kay Walsh	...	Stephanie Bax
Alec McCowen	...	Alan Bax
Ann Bell	...	Sally Benson
Ingrid Boulting	...	Linda Rigg (as Ingrid Brett)
John Collin	...	Dowsett
Michele Dotrice	...	Valerie Creek
Gwen Ffrangcon Davies	...	Granny Rigg (as Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies)
Duncan Lamont	...	Bob Curd
Leonard Rossiter	...	Dr. Wallis
Martin Stephens	...	Ronnie Dowsett
Carmel McSharry	...	Mrs. Dowsett
Viola Keats	...	Mrs. Curd
Shelagh Fraser	...	Mrs. Creek
Bryan Marshall	...	Tom

Storyline

An English school missionary assigned in an African village has a run in with the local witch doctor and suffers a nervous breakdown. After recovering back in England she takes a job teaching in a small country town hoping to make a new start for herself. All goes well at first, until she starts to hear some disturbing stories about the town. She soon discovers the town is home to a coven of witches and they plan to sacrifice a local girl in one of their rituals.

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Plot Keywords:

lesbian subtext | psychotronic film | england | female protagonist | virgin sacrifice | 

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Taglines:

Does Witchcraft Exist Today?

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Genres:

Horror

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Joan Fontaine reportedly purchased the film rights to Norah Lofts' novel (written under the nom-de-plume of Peter Curtis) and brought the project to Hammer.

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Goofs

[All goofs for this title are spoilers.]

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Quotes

Gwen Mayfield: Look at this! Stuck full of pins and it's head missing. What do you think it could possible be?
Stephanie Bax: Witchcraft? Somebody having a little dabble? Yes, I would think so. Or did you think I was going to say, no no no, it can't happen here? I bet there are lots of remote spots where remnants of witchcraft are still practiced. Places like Heddaby, in fact. I've often wondered.
Gwen Mayfield: Well, what are we going to do?
Stephanie Bax: Do? Ah.
Gwen Mayfield: Well, I'd like to start by removing those pins.
Stephanie Bax: Yes, we could- Oh, no! Emphatically not! Do ...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in Quatermass and the Pit (1967)

User Reviews

Bears the hammer mark of quality

After suffering a shock in Africa, young Gwen Mayfield starts working as a teacher in a small village somewhere in England. Two of her students behave rather strange, and some people in the village try to separate the two from each other. Gwen becomes curious but suffers another shock. When she returns to the village, she finally finds out why its inhabitants behave so strange: They are really witches and plan to sacrifice a girl from Gwen's class...

One of the lesser known horror movies from legendary British Hammer films, this was also Joan Fontaine's last role. It's a slow and surprisingly tame movie, but well-made and atmospheric. While it's nothing outstanding, it certainly is worth watching. The ending may be a bit of a letdown. I also liked the music score during the opening credits, and some bits of the soundtrack are really good.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

February 1967 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Witches

Filming Locations:

Bray Studios, Down Place, Oakley Green, Berkshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hammer Films, Seven Arts Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1