Witchfinder General (aka The Conqueror Worm, in the U.S.) is a scenic, 1968, Poe-pigmented thriller, directed by Michael (The Sorcerers/Castle of the Living Dead/The She Beast) Reeves and coscripted by Ronald (The Carthaginian) Bassett, from his popular novel, and Reeves' consistent collaborator, Tom Baker III. Witchfinder General is also considered one of the best examples of folk horror, and those thorough scribes, Nige Burton & Jamie Jones, now focus on its forbidding recesses for a new Classic Monsters of the Movies volume.
The duo leads readers through the movie's development, from Tony Tensor's purchase of the novel for Tigon Films and its involved pre-production, where Reeves stated he didn't want Price for his lead. However, Reeves did get what he desired from Price, who conjured a grounded air of menace and as such, granted the beloved actor one of his most acclaimed performances.
Burton & Jones detail, as well, the plot's melodramatic, 1645, Roundhead/Civil War fringes, which highlight Price's Matthew Hopkins, a lawyer (and actual, historic figure), enlisted to seek those accused of witchcraft, who are tortured by Hopkins' irascible henchman, Robert (Bedazzled/Man in the Wilderness/Ivanhoe 1982) Russell's John Stearne.
Aiding and averting the fanatical crusade is Hilary (The Body Stealers/The Cry of the Banshee/The Oblong Box) Dwyer; Ian (The Return of the Saint/The Saint 2017/The She Beast) Ogilvy; Patrick (Blood on Satan's Claw/Cromwell/Journey to the Far Side of the Sun) Wymark; Wilfred (Steptoe and Son/A Hard Day's Night) Brambell; Rupert (Dracula Has Risen from the Grave/The Oblong Box/Frightmare 1974) Davies; Bernard (Trog/They Came from Beyond Space) Kay; Nicky (Psychomania/Vampira) Henson; Godfrey (At the Earth's Core/The Land that Time Forgot/The Oblong Box) James; Tony (Doctor Who 1986-87/Get Some In!/Villain) Salter; and Paul (The Creeping Flesh/The Blood Beast Terror/The She Beast) Ferris, aka Morris Jar, who not only performed in the movie, but composed the movie's luxuriant score.
As the volume suggests, Witchfinder General evades supernatural elements to emphasize "man's inhumanity toward man," presenting human monsters who march to the beat of sardonic virtue. The U.S. tag-on of Poe's "Conqueror Worm" does capture the theme's essence, making it (contrary to what some may claim) an apt, alternate title, even if Bassett's brooding, revenge story is only Poe-influenced in its feel and trimmings. (Price's reading of the poem for the U.S. version nevertheless grants a nice, sinister touch, at least in my estimation.)
Without question, Classic Monsters of the Movies: Witchfinder General does a commendable job celebrating a genuine stand-out of its kind. To include it in one's library, would be nothing short of earthy, pure and wise.
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