Alex Cox introduces Michael Reeves's 'Witchfinder General' for BBC2's Moviedrome. Originally broadcast on the 27th July, 1992 at 00:20am. Thanks to the Witchfinder General FB page for the video.
I always enjoyed Alex Cox's intros to Moviedrome. Can't say that I agree with his assessment as regards this one (we all have our off days, I guess). WG is a classic of British Cinema whose power to shock and beguile in equal measure has not diminished with time.
His mention of the Carry On films as a comparison points out that maybe his opinion is influenced by his moral ideas rather than his filmic appreciation. That's okay... people always do that. I loved Repo Man and Walker. Sid and Nancy was really good too.
This is a truly creepy film. Vincent Price is not allowed to ham it up, and so is supremely menacing. The director, Michael Reeves, sadly died while filming his next feature after this one.
Thanks for this video, I wouldn't have remembered Moviedrome otherwise. As soon as I saw the presenter it came back to me. My lady showed me Witchfinder General about 5 years ago and I thought it was excellent, despite being old (I have no love for most modern hollywood junk).
I love Alex Cox's introductions. He could have more positive about Witchfinder General. After all, it was a low budget independent film which tried to have more depth than the average horror film of the day. But I respect his opinions as they always have sly humour.
I always enjoyed Alex Cox's intros to Moviedrome. Can't say that I agree with his assessment as regards this one (we all have our off days, I guess). WG is a classic of British Cinema whose power to shock and beguile in equal measure has not diminished with time.
His mention of the Carry On films as a comparison points out that maybe his opinion is influenced by his moral ideas rather than his filmic appreciation. That's okay... people always do that. I loved Repo Man and Walker. Sid and Nancy was really good too.
Walker was a really imaginative film - and a very moral one at that. Didn't get the credit it deserved.
Don't worry there are plenty of Hopkins type that exist today.
All they need is the right type environment to flourish.
This is a truly creepy film. Vincent Price is not allowed to ham it up, and so is supremely menacing. The director, Michael Reeves, sadly died while filming his next feature after this one.
One of Vincent Price's best.
Alex Cox: my favourite ectomorph!
Thanks for this video, I wouldn't have remembered Moviedrome otherwise. As soon as I saw the presenter it came back to me. My lady showed me Witchfinder General about 5 years ago and I thought it was excellent, despite being old (I have no love for most modern hollywood junk).
He gets the dates wrong. Hopkins was active in the 1640s, not the 1660s.
I love Alex Cox's introductions. He could have more positive about Witchfinder General. After all, it was a low budget independent film which tried to have more depth than the average horror film of the day. But I respect his opinions as they always have sly humour.
Mr Hopkins...top lad!!
I think it's still an intense,disturbing film.