This week presents yet another Moviedrome Monday double bill entry.
Wise Blood (1979)
Since I could not find a youtube video link of Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox introducing legendary director John Huston’s 1979 late career masterpiece Wise Blood, readers will have to rely on Cox’s intro transcript (read here). The episode’s original airdate was July 26, 1992 (read here). My number one favorite Huston film is (as a few others have proclaimed first) is simultaneously funny, insightful and original. Needless to say, it feels more like the work of a fresh-faced 22 year-old filmmaker as opposed to that of a then 72 year-old. If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite John Huston films (read here).
Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer
Witchfinder General (1968)
I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to director Michael Reeves 1968 low-budget cult historical horror classic Witchfinder General. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was July 27, 1992 (read here). In contrast to Cox’s surprisingly lukewarm take, I found Witchfinder General to be deserving of all it’s praise. On the surface, Witchfinder General is a scenic period piece with a suitable music score by Paul Ferris. At it’s center, Witchfinder General subtly examines opportunism in the name of religion coinciding perfectly with Vincent Price’s fittingly understated performance as the opportunistic title character – the evil real-life Matthew Hopkins. Last, but not least, the film generated controversy in the UK during it’s initial 1968 theatrical run due to it’s then shocking graphic depiction of violence (read here).
Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Witchfinder General
Here is another youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Witchfinder General
Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer
cinematiccoffee 
For some reason I never got to see Wise Blood, but I like the look of the trailer. Witchfinder General is a favorite of mine, mainly because of its English Civil War setting and accurate period detail. Looking at it now, it seems tame considering the outcry back then.
Best wishes, Pete.
Oh yes please do check out Wise Blood 🙂 As for Witchfinder General, I totally agree with you there and it does seem tame today considering everything that has come out since. Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
I haven’t seen this movie, though I am a big fan of John Huston. Asphalt Jungle is one of my favorite films. But, to me there are so many great John Huston films: Key Largo, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean…to name a few.
Witchfinder General is a good, stylish, cult horror.
As you can guess by my blog entry regarding John Huston, I happen to be a bigger fan of his later work than his earlier work (with the exception of The Maltese Falcon). Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
I haven’t seen either of these films. Of the two I would probably seek out Wise Blood first. Not only because it’s your number 1 film from John Huston, but also because it features two great character actors in the form of Brad Dourif and Harry Dean Stanton.
Oh yes please do check out Wise Blood Paul S 🙂 I think you will love it and yes, Brad Dourif and Harry Dean Stanton are fantastic 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
Looks like I’m another who hasn’t seen Wise Blood. Added to the list right now.
Haven’t seen Witch Hunter General since a teenager. Always keep meaning to watch it again.
Hope one day soon. That is a true British cult horror.
I think you will love Wise Blood Wolfie and Witchfinder General is deserving of all of it’s praise 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
Witchfinder would be worthy of a remake I would think.
Question is … who to cast in Vincent’s role?
I would need time to think about that 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂