The Virgin Witch
a.k.a. Virgin Witch
1971 · Directed by Ray Austin · UK
The Virgin Witch (1971) is an occult exploitation classic directed by Ray Austin. Described by critics as an “amusingly dated British horror cum-skin flick” and “an entertaining and occasionally sleazy slice of seventies occult-themed picture with some great style and memorable scenes.”
I could stop there, but there is much to discuss. Starring real-life sisters Vicki and Ann Michelle as Betty and Christine, the film opens with the sisters absconding from their small-town existence and heading to London to seek their fortune. They are picked up by Johnny, who provides lodgings with his mum. He soon strikes up a relationship with the innocent Betty, while Christine looks for modelling vacancies.
It is quickly made apparent that Christine has a sixth sense, which reveals a magazine advert for “the wizard of modelling,” Miss Sybil Waite (Patricia Haines). Sybil has an eye for gorgeous women, and Christine is no exception. In the drop of a witch’s hat, the sisters are joining Sybil at Wychwold Hall. “The witches used to dance here. Some people say they still do,” says Sybil, as she strolls the grounds. In an instant, Christine is being photographed running, jumping, and — with the encouragement of photographer Peter — getting naked and clutching an apple (the photo shoot is supposedly for a cider brand).
It is revealed to the sisters that Wychwold is home to a coven, with Sybil as High Priestess and Doctor of Literature Gerald as High Priest. Gerald recognises Christine’s special power, and she is soon prepared for initiation into the coven. Cue naked dancing, altar intercourse and wild music as the coven builds to its climax. Christine’s powers grow, and a power struggle ensues with High Priestess Sybil, who is targeted into submission by the more powerful usurper.
Meanwhile, Betty’s erstwhile boyfriend Johnny comes searching for her. He agrees to Christine’s demands to take part in a ceremony to initiate Betty, so he can rescue her from all the naked witches. Betty is saved but is innocent no more. Christine’s fate is sealed when he fatally despatches Sybil through her use of witchcraft.
I must give a special mention to Gerald Moss for his cinematography, which is beyond expectations for an exploitation film. The soundtrack by Ted Dicks uses piano, Hammond organ and an array of percussion to set the mood for each scene. Filmed at the same location as Norman J. Warren’s occult classic Satan’s Slave, The Virgin Witch would make a great double bill with the former.
The film was released in 1971, but due to censorship issues it only had a limited release in London. It would be 1972 before it was released nationwide, with several cuts to appease the British Board of Censors. It is now available in its entirety.
The Michelle sisters have both since disowned the film. Vicki went on to British TV sitcom fame in ‘Allo ‘Allo!; Ann appeared in future exploitation classics Psychomania (1973) and House of Whipcord (1974). There is even a novelisation by Klaus Vogel, published by Corgi, but it fetches a high price in the paperback collectors’ market. I will have to stick with the film for now.
Gallery
Trailer
From the score
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Ted Dicks – Virgin Witch (1971) music
