The Winter of Folk Horror, Part 2: Witchcraft & Persecution (Haxan, Il Demonio, Witchfinder General, Witchhammer & Hagazussa)

The Winter of Folk Horror continues, with a bubbling cauldron of films involving witchcraft, or that boil over into persecution of perceived supernatural abilities. When I see images from our first feature in this episode, they look so old, so authentic, that they MUST be real! But it's Satan's tongue that just may be the most memorable part of Haxan (1922)! If you're seemingly the lone uninhibited woman in a small Italian village, you may be better off exercising some restraint. And if you are practicing a few spells, you probably shouldn't reveal them to anyone, for fear of being being branded as Il Demonio (1963)! One of the most notorious witch-hunters in English history, is brought to the screen by Vincent Price, in perhaps his most vile performance. Your innocence will not save you, when Matthew Hopkins, Witchfinder General (1968), rides into town. Another infuriating travesty of justice transpires, when the accused are brought before a tribunal, with profit in mind. When these methods of torture are utilized, even the most strong-willed can crack under the weight of the Witchhammer (1970). And then from there, a superstitious mountain community has labeled Albrun and her mother as witches. But is there truth in their beliefs? Or does a form of madness take hold in the isolation, that is the only life Albrun has ever known? Get ready for our take on Hagazussa (2017).