Legend of the Witches (1970)

A visual exploration into the origins of witchcraft in the UK and in particular the demystification of symbolism still embedded today within many modern religious artefacts and rituals.

Director:

Malcolm Leigh

Writer:

Malcolm Leigh

Stars:

Alex Sanders, Maxine Sanders, Guy Standeven

Cast

Uncredited cast:
Alex Sanders	...	Self (uncredited)
Maxine Sanders	...	Self (uncredited)
Guy Standeven	...	Narrator (voice) (uncredited)

Storyline

A visual exploration into the origins of witchcraft in the UK and in particular the demystification of symbolism still embedded today within many modern religious artefacts and rituals.

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Plot Keywords:

full frontal male nudity | full frontal female nudity | pubic hair | initiation rite | bonfire | 

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Taglines:

Their Secret Rituals Exposed ...

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Shot in the late summer of 1969.

User Reviews

Interesting excuse for nubile full frontals. B&W.

This was obviously made in an era when full frontal nudity in the cinema needed an excuse. "Now what can we use to get some pubics past the censor? I know! Witchcraft!", seems to be what the director thought.

A quick trip to Wardour Street to hire a camera, 50 quid for a roll of neg, and off to the local church for some background shots. "Let's make a movie (even if we can only afford black and white). Yippee!" Next off to Hampsted Heath with some cronies from the local pub (note to self: make sure the girls don't mind taking their knickers down; pity I forgot to tell the blokes not to try covering up their naughties as they all look like they are playing with themselves, when in fact they are trying to stop the camera seeing who is the "best man"!) I must say the rostrum camera-work isn't too bad and it's a pity that the database doesn't have the crew named.

The commentary sounds, and let's face it is, straight from the 1970's. You can imagine creeping into a dingy cinema full of the Dirty Mac brigade who are only sitting there to see the tits and bums.

From the above you will think that I am taking the urine, actually this film is quite interesting, well researched and deserves a play to a wider audience if only for the lack of coyness. But comments such as "The women's branch of the armed forces is a source of images" is well, rather odd to say the least! Although I can't imagine a real coven having so many long haired, firm breasted 20 year olds who all look like singer Mary Hopkin, accompanied by slightly balding 40 year old men trying to copulate with them. What happened to all the wizened, warty old hags? Perhaps they didn't go down the pub that night! In short, it's all a bit staged.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

February 1970 (UK)

Also Known As:

Legend of the Witches

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Border Film Productions, Negus-Fancey

Technical Specs

Runtime:

72 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1