The flying witch is a common image associated with Halloween and witchcraft. It is often depicted as a woman dressed in black, riding a broomstick through the night sky. This portrayal dates back to medieval times, when witches were believed to have the ability to transform into animals, such as cats or birds, and fly through the air. The concept of the flying witch has its roots in European folklore and mythology. In these tales, witches were said to gather in secret covens and perform magical rituals, including flying to distant locations. They would use broomsticks or other objects, such as flying ointments or magic carpets, to aid them in their travels.
(director: Henry Hathaway; screenwriters: Ivan Goff/Ben Roberts/from the novel by Louise A. Stinetorf; cinematographer: Leon Shamroy; editor: James B. Clark; music: Bernard Herrmann; cast: Susan Hayward (Ellen Burton), Robert Mitchum (“Lonni” Douglas), Walter Slezak (Huysman), Timothy Carey (Jarrett), Paul Thompson (Witch doctor), Otis Greene (Mekope), Mashood Ajala (Jacques), Charles Gemora (Gorilla), Everett Brown (Bakuba king); Runtime: 96; MPAA Rating: NR; producer: Otto Lang; Twentieth Century-Fox; 1953)
Struggling American big game wrangler Lonni Douglas Robert Mitchum and his ambitious Dutch business partner Huysman Walter Slezak catch animals for the zoos. Prelude The Necklace The Question Petticoat Dance The Village The Hut The Operation The Leopard Goodnight The Safari Elegy The Birth Little Mama Defiance Bakuba Boy Nocturne The Abduction The Shinbeck Bakuba Country The Skulls Morning The King The Past Departure The Camp Jacques The Three Doctors The Camp 2 Thirty Seconds The Fight Terror Recovery The Finale.
They would use broomsticks or other objects, such as flying ointments or magic carpets, to aid them in their travels. The association between witches and flying is thought to be linked to the practice of hedgeriding or journeying. Hedgeriding is a form of shamanic travel, where the practitioner enters an altered state of consciousness to explore different realms or dimensions.
White witch docto
Kritzerland is proud to present a new limited edition soundtrack release – a classic score from the Golden Age and the score’s first standalone release:
WHITE WITCH DOCTOR
Music Composed and Conducted by Bernard Herrmann
White Witch Doctor, based on the 1950 novel by Louise A. Stinetorf, was a Technicolor adventure film filled with action and romance, and two stars, Robert Mitchum and Susan Hayward who were not only wonderful actors, but who exuded sex appeal. Director Henry Hathaway shot the film both on location and the Fox backlot – the beautiful photography was by ace cameraman Leon Shamroy. But what really sets the film apart from other African-set films of that era (and there were a lot of them) is the incredible score by Bernard Herrmann.
By 1953, Herrmann was already a Fox regular and both Alfred Newman and Zanuck were huge fans of his. For White Witch Doctor he delivered one of his greatest scores, yet not one that is known much these days. The film begins with the kind of main title that just propels you into the movie – pervasive percussion and drums over exciting strings and brass, clanging bells, and winds run amok – no one did this kind of main title better than Herrmann. Much of the score is breathtakingly beautiful with Herrmann’s amazing orchestral textures and colors. It also includes several appearances by the weird and ominous-sounding instrument the serpent to underscore suspenseful moments – an instrument he would also make great use of several years later for Journey to the Center of the Earth. Every cue is infused with Herrmann’s unique and brilliant harmonic character – in fact, much of the score plays like a preview of scores he would do for Hitchcock and the fantasy films that came later. There was no one who did it like Herrmann and this is one of his all-time great scores.
White Witch Doctor’s first release on CD was part of the big Bernard Herrmann at Fox box on Varese Sarabande. That set was a quick sellout and many fans missed out on its myriad pleasures, White Witch Doctor being among the best of them. It’s presented in that wonderful Fox push-pull stereo and the score sounds absolutely splendid.
White Witch Doctor is limited to 1000 copies only and is priced at $19.98, plus shipping. CDs will ship by the second week of July. However, never fear – on average we usually ship two to four weeks ahead of the official ship date.
(Click on cover for enlarged version)
• Click on titles below to hear a song sample:
• Prelude
• The Necklace
The Question
Petticoat Dance
• The Village
• The Hut
The Operation
The Leopard
Goodnight/The Safari
Elegy
The Birth
Little Mama
Defiance/Bakuba Boy
• Nocturne
The Abduction
The Shinbeck
Bakuba Country
The Skulls
Morning
The King
The Past
Departure
The Camp
Jacques
The Three Doctors
The Camp #2
Thirty Seconds
The Fight
• Terror/Recovery/The Finale
Bonus track
Goodnight (three takes)
In this state, witches were believed to be able to fly through the night sky and visit otherworldly realms. The depiction of the flying witch as a woman dressed in black on a broomstick became popularized during the witch hunt trials of the 16th and 17th centuries. During this time, women accused of witchcraft were often portrayed as evil and dangerous beings who would use their powers to harm others. The image of the flying witch served as a visual representation of this perceived threat. Today, the image of the flying witch is still commonly seen as a Halloween decoration or symbol of witchcraft. It has become a staple in popular culture, appearing in movies, television shows, and literature. The flying witch continues to captivate our imaginations and serve as a reminder of the mysterious and magical world of witchcraft..
Reviews for "The Flying Witch and the Quest for Freedom: An Exploration of Liberation"
1. John Smith - 2 stars - I found "The Flying Witch" to be quite disappointing. The plot was weak and predictable, with very little character development. The dialogue felt forced and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with any of the characters. Additionally, the special effects were subpar, which took away from the overall viewing experience. Overall, I was left unsatisfied and wouldn't recommend this film to others.
2. Sarah Johnson - 2.5 stars - "The Flying Witch" didn't quite live up to the hype for me. The story felt disjointed and there were many unanswered questions by the end of the film. The acting was mediocre at best, with the main characters lacking chemistry and charisma. The pacing was off, making certain scenes drag on for too long, while others were rushed. Additionally, the CGI felt outdated and unrealistic. While the concept had potential, the execution fell short.
3. Michael Thompson - 1 star - I couldn't even finish watching "The Flying Witch." The acting was atrocious, with flat deliveries and unbelievable emotions. The plot was convoluted and confusing, making it difficult to follow along. The film relied heavily on cheap jump scares and gore, lacking any true suspense or depth. The characters were one-dimensional and unlikable, further contributing to my disdain for this film. I regret wasting my time on such a poorly made movie.
4. Emily Jenkins - 2 stars - "The Flying Witch" was a disappointment for me. The story lacked originality and borrowed heavily from other supernatural horror films. The scares were predictable and cliché, leaving little room for genuine surprise or suspense. The characters felt underdeveloped, making it difficult to feel invested in their well-being. The pacing was also uneven, with moments of intense action followed by sluggish, uneventful scenes. Overall, this film failed to leave a lasting impression and left me wanting more from the genre.