NEW VENUE Blueprint SIC & Medieval Movie Club Present Witchfinder General

This event has moved to The Seamore Cinema, 304 Maryhill Road, Glasgow, G20 7YE.

Set in 1645, during the English Civil War, Witchfinder General follows an opportunist and self appointed witch hunter, Matthew Hopkins, who exploits the conflict induced breakdown in society to impose a reign of terror across East Anglia. Aided by his assistant John Stearne he tortures confessions from those suspected of practising witchcraft, before charging local magistrates for his services.

A young Roundhead, Richard Marshall, promises to marry his love Sara, before returning to his regiment on the front lines. In his absence Matthew Hopkins accuses Sara's uncle, guardian and village priest of witchcraft before torturing him to death and eventually capturing Sara too. Marshall returns to take his revenge against Hopkins and Stearne.

Witchfinder General was director Michael Reeves' final film before his accidental death at 25. Originally released in May 1968, the film was heavily criticised and censored for what was considered, at the time, overtly sadistic violence. Ignored by critics the film was nonetheless a box office success and has acquired cult status during the past fifty years. Whilst engaging the subject of the English Civil War some critics have also suggested it is a veiled critique of the Left and its penchant for endless sub division and lack of ability to organise efficiently, despite the symbolic political success of 1968. Blueprint Scottish Independent Cinema and Medieval Movie Club are delighted to collaborate with Scalarama to present this landmark of British cinema in its full uncensored format.

Witchfinder General
Tigon British Films Productions / American International Productions
1968 / 86 minutes / United Kingdom
English Language
Writers Michael Reeves / Tom Baker / Louis M. Heyward
Producers Louis M. Heyward / Arnold Miller / Philip Waddilove
Director Michael Reeves
Director Of Photography John Coquillon
Editor Howard Lanning
Music Paul Ferris
Starring Vincent Price / Ian Ogilvy / Hilary Dwyer