Cry Of The Banshee (1970)

In 16th century England, a corrupt magistrate (Vincent Price) is ruthless in his mania to destroy all the witches in his domain. But in his drive, he cruelly punishes the innocent as well as the "guilty". Directed by Gordon Hessler (GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD), this is a thoroughly unpleasant movie which is a combination of horror and softcore torture porn. Watching people get tortured has never been my thing but the film seems to gloat over it. All of the torture victims are nubile young women (no males are tortured) but not before their breasts are bared for our delectation. But I must note that I saw the European cut as the nudity and torture were heavily edited for the U.S. release. It was nice to see Elisabeth Bergner (RISE OF CATHERINE THE GREAT) in her first American film in 30 years and she manages to invest her role of a sorceress with a dignity the movie could have used more of. The striking title credits were designed by Terry Gilliam, who would soon move to a major directing career of his own. Definitely one of the lesser Price/AIP horror films. With Hugh Griffith, Essy Perrson, Hilary Heath, Patrick Mower and Quinn O'Hara.