(1969/USA)
AKA-THE LEGEND OF WITCH HOLLOW, WITCHKILL, THE WITCHMASTER
REVIEW BY-STEVE GENIER DIRECTED BY-WILLIAM O.BROWN CAST-ANTHONY EISLEY, THORDIS BRANDT, ALVY MOORE, JOHN LODGE, SHELBY GRANT, and TONY BENSON SOURCE-MIDNIGHT VIDEO (DVDR / NTSC REGION 1)
Deep in the Louisiana swamp lands, a string of Satanic like murders of beautiful females attract a researcher and his crew to investigate them. Stranded for a full week, the crew quickly becomes entangled in a dark web of the occult. When one member of the group, a sensitive is lured into the very same Satanic coven behind those brutal slayings. To carry out Luther the Berserk’s bidding, to bring the blood of young females to feed their God, Lucifer . One by one the group’s members are mysteriously killed, forcing the rest of them to find out what is going on and how to stop it. Though stopping it maybe too late as Luther’s coven await the pack of a new member, one that will bring the fall of the research group.
Certainly one the best examples left untouched by the DVD realm for those occult based cinema fans. Though dated, this interesting tale brings together some of the most eeriest of atmospheres to the screen. The dark swamp backdrop is a perfect setting for ritualistic mayhem and blood drinking murders. Director William O. Brown dives straight down Satan’s throat, revealing some of the most shocking values of the popularity of the occult during the late 60's and early 70's. Witches, covens, orgies and other associated aspects of these anti-Christ like entities are far of from the truth, yet they are displayed in such an entertaining manner, one can’t help but sitting back a really enjoying this rare horror offering.
Tempting the soul with the tease of nude female flesh, though never fully revealing it, THE WITCHMAKER displays actress TV bombshell Thordis Brandt (THE GREEN HORNET, I SPY) in a much more exotic view. Running around in skimpy lingerie, bikinis and at times fully nude but always covered by tree branches or goblets in the necessary areas. Of course yet another grand sin in God’s eyes, but Satan’s got his game in full bloom. Also, long time TV vet Anthony Eisley dukes it out with Luther the Berserk, played by a perfectly casted John Lodge. Both are quite entertaining as they ensuing battle lines are drawn and the final showdown plays out for the battle of the ultra-sexy, Anastasia (Thordis Brandt). The great thing about this all, is the kicker of an ending, a twist that will surely make you want to watch this rare gem over and over.
Once again Midnight Video have managed to not only bring the rare gem to light, but a pretty good print in doing so. Though the print does show it’s aged battle scars, this is the most complete viewing this outside a much need digital make over. Transferred directly from an original IB Technicolor and Techniscope film print. THE WITCHMAKER is yet one great example that there are still many rare or hidden gems out there to be either seen for the first time or awaiting the shinny format. Along with the DVDR’s main feature, there are also trailers for THE WITCHMAKER as well as another occult rarity, Davis Cass’ 1971 film DISCIPLES OF DEATH (aka ENTER THE DEVIL). There is also a still and poster gallery as well as slide show of other Midnight Video releases of the rarities.
FILM/STORY- 4/5 BITCH SLAPS Purchase This DVDR At MIDNIGHT VIDEO
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