DVD Review: Virgin Witch (1971)

This entertaining satanic sexploitation flick was released on Region-1 NTSC DVD as part of Image Entertainment's Redemption label late last year and if you're a fan of British horror films from the 1970s I think it's worth a look.

Virgin Witch features the cute British actresses and sisters, Ann Michelle and Vicki Michelle. The girls play sisters Christine & Betty in the film. When Christine (Ann Michelle) gets her big chance at modeling after applying to the Sybil Waite's Agency, the girls find themselves at an eerie old estate for a weekend photo shoot.

Sybil Waite (Patricia Haines) has lured Christine there for more than just modeling. Sybil's recruiting a virgin for induction into a witches' coven led by the owner of the estate, Gerald Amberly (Neil Hallett). Sybil has also become enamored with the pretty Christine and she makes a successful attempt to seduce her. Unfortunately for everyone involved Christine is not as innocent as she seems, and we soon discover that she has evil plans of her own.

Virgin Witch includes lots of nude scenes with star Ann Michelle and climaxes in a wild orgy of dancing and sex that's often more funny than sexy. The cast seems to be having fun with the film, which includes a terrific soundtrack by composer Ted Dicks. The movie also includes a great performance from the talented lounge singer Helen Downing.

Virgin Witch was directed by the British filmmaker Ray Austin who made some entertaining exploitation films in the late sixties and early seventies such as 1000 Convicts and a Woman (1970). He also directed many episodes of popular television shows during the seventies including Wonder Woman, Space: 1999 and The New Avengers.

I especially enjoyed the performance of Ann Michelle as the wicked Christine. Ann Michelle appeared in some terrific cult films during the seventies such as Psychomania (1971), House of Whipcord (1974) and Justine (A.K.A. Cruel Passion, 1977) and she's really entertaining in Virgin Witch. Patricia Haines was also good as the lesbian model agency owner Sybil Waite.

Lots of critics have given Virgin Witch negative reviews which I think is kind of a shame. I was weary of watching the movie, but considering its low-budget, I thought it was really entertaining and director Ray Austin does some interesting and creative camera work within the film that retro horror fans like myself might also enjoy.

For more information about the DVD please visit Amazon.

- Kimberly Lindbergs