Ep 11. Witches

As Halloween approaches, the eleventh episode of "100 Years of Horror" tackles a topic that is closely associated with the spooky holiday - witches. From the cackling crones of "Macbeth" to the modern-day witches of "The Craft," witches have been a fixture of horror entertainment for decades.

Host Christopher Lee takes viewers on a journey through the history of witchcraft in horror films, starting with the origin of the witch stereotype in medieval Europe. Lee explains that the image of the witch as an old, haggard woman with a pointy hat and a broomstick emerged during a time of intense religious persecution and fear of the supernatural.

The episode then moves to the golden age of Hollywood, when witches made their first appearances on the silver screen. Lee highlights iconic films like "Haxan" and "I Married a Witch" that helped establish the conventions of the witchcraft subgenre.

As the episode progresses, it explores how cultural attitudes towards witchcraft have changed over time. Lee notes that during the 1960s and 70s, witchcraft became associated with the counterculture and rebellion against traditional values. Films like "Rosemary's Baby" and "Suspiria" reflected this shift, portraying witches as powerful and glamorous figures.

However, as Lee points out, the idea of witches as villains has persisted throughout film history. The episode covers classic horror films like "Black Sunday" and "Burn, Witch, Burn!" that focused on the evil deeds of witches. It also touches on more recent movies like "The Blair Witch Project" and "The Witch" that have brought the genre back to its roots with dark, atmospheric tales of witchcraft.

Throughout the episode, Lee emphasizes the enduring appeal of witches as horror icons. He notes that, despite changing cultural attitudes and filmmaking trends, witches have remained a staple of the genre. From the witch trials of the Middle Ages to the witchcraft of modern subcultures, the image of the witch continues to fascinate and terrify us.

Ultimately, "Witches" is a comprehensive exploration of the witchcraft subgenre in horror film. Whether you're a diehard horror fan or simply interested in the cultural significance of witches, this episode has something for you. With Christopher Lee as a knowledgeable and engaging guide, viewers will walk away with a deeper appreciation for the enduring appeal of these mysterious and fascinating figures.