PrimeWire

This eclectic documentary shot in black and white at various locations throughout England attempts to explain to us the history of witchcraft in the context of a creation story. A narrator clues us in to how and where it all began as we learn about different initiation rites and how many of those rites were in turn developed into Christian practices – proof of this is delivered in some interesting footage showing pagan symbols built into old church buildings and what not.

From there we travel to Cecil Williamson’s Museum of Witchcraft in Cornwall for a look at various instruments and talismans used throughout the years in different ceremonies. Last but not least, we witness what we’re told is an actual black mass, lead by Alexander Saunders, before learning about how witchcraft ties into extrasensory perception and fortunetelling.

A strange, and occasionally surprisingly dull, film that carefully treads the line between aged camp and legitimately creepy, Legend Of The Witches looks like it was shot fast and cheap with a prime focus on including as many naked bodies as possible. There are scenes here with loads of atmosphere and plenty of imagery that might make some folks uncomfortable, but the unnamed narrator tends to drone on and on and not always about the most interesting subjects