Legend of the Witches (1970) & Secret Rites (1971) [DVD + Blu-ray)

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Despite some definite artistic merit and generally educational feel, it was predictably promoted as a softcore porno on its theatrical release (sex undeniably sold in the seventies). With no connection to Witchcraft, I can only imagine this was added to the set because of the Alex Sanders connection to Notting Hill. Passages examine standing stones, the often barbaric persecution of witches, divination and sacrifice. Originally X-rated, it centres on the rituals of celebrated Notting Hill Witch King and Queen, Alex and Maxine Sanders. Once the two candidates are initiated, we are given more opportunities to watch the filming of certain Wiccan rituals, including a marriage and those associated with the ancient Egyptian Gods.

As the film progresses, we are given first-hand experience of the initiation of two witches into the coven, one of which is Penny. Ok, so the view of the old, wart covered hag are also perhaps a bit stereotypical, but I am certain that even with the newly released interest in witchcraft in the 1970s, not all witches were young beautiful maidens with flowing golden hair. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice. This is the popular conception of what witches do and how they practice their craft,’ we’re informed. Considering what type of films were being edited by the British censors, it's rather shocking that there's so much nudity on display here.

Leigh never established a real career in mainstream cinema but his next movie, a sex farce named Games that Lovers Play (1971) did star future national treasure Joanna Lumley. By then, Sanders had been endorsed by a group of 1,623 practicing Wiccans as “King of the Witches” (with his wife Maxine as “Witch Queen”) and turned into a media celebrity. It certainly sounds like a British film from the 1970s (which it is of course) but there's no question that it's a bit too try and a bit too much like a professor talking to himself.

There are are all sorts of Black Masses and strange rituals being done under the moonlight and they simply come across beautifully on the screen. BFI Flipside is dedicated to rediscovering the margins of British film, reclaiming a space for forgotten movies and filmmakers who would otherwise be in danger of disappearing from our screens forever.

This remastered version of the film is of good quality which makes the most of Leigh’s beautiful cinematography of the countryside both in daylight and under moonlight.Online since 2010 it is one of the fastest-growing and most respected music-related publications on the net.