Legend of the Witches (1970) & Secret Rites (1971) [DVD + Blu-ray)

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Mystery band The Spindle provide the groovy, psychedelic sounds while tentative occult enthusiast Penny and a serious-sounding narrator introduce the viewer to three ritual acts. Unlike Legend of the Witches, the pace is much quicker and because the lighting is better and it is shot in colour, it is clearer for the audience to see exactly what is happening with the tying of the three coloured cords and the ritualistic kissing of the five points. The extra quality also allows for some detailing to be seen clearer during the performance of each mass and ritual.

There then follows quite a lengthy look at the Bayeux Tapestry and its intertwined pagan images, before we are transported to Cornwall and a small museum, housing relics from the grave of a known witch.Getting it Straight in Notting Hill Gate, 1970, is an interesting cultural insight into life in Notting Hill Gate in 1970. This is the popular conception of what witches do and how they practice their craft,’ we’re informed. These were said to include healing people of warts by “wishing them on someone else, who’s already ugly. Asked his opinion on what we have just seen, the self-styled King of the Witches dismisses it as ‘a lot of rubbish’, before complaining about how risible many of the commonly held myths about witchcraft can be.

The biggest let down is the drafting in of actress Penny Beeching as the hairdresser with an interest in the Occult. Part Mondo movie, part countercultural artefact Secret Rites (1971) this strange mid-length ‘documentary’ by exploitation director Derek Ford lifts the lid on witchcraft in 1970s Notting Hill. This said, like Legend of the Witches, it isn’t totally clear what the intentions of the director truly are, with some shots of nudity lingering just that little bit longer than necessary. Originally X-rated, it centres on the rituals of celebrated Notting Hill Witch King and Queen, Alex and Maxine Sanders.Getting it Straight in Notting Hill Gate (1970), takes a look at countercultural life in London’s hippy central. Overall, this is an interesting and insightful look at Witchcraft practises in 1970s Notting Hill and does go some way to dispel the myth surrounding orgies, virgin sacrifice and roots in evil. Sharing the secrets of initiation into a coven, divination through animal sacrifice, ritual scrying, the casting of a ‘death spell’, and the chilling intimacy of a Black Mass. This is a lovely section that displays images of old churches adorned with pagan deities and information on how Pagan Sabbats were ‘magpied’ by the Christians to support the populations transition to Christianity.

The proceedings are then infiltrated by a priest with a cross, set on bringing down the evil goings on. This ritual includes a naked man having a blindfold put on him and his led through the dark having to trust the woman leading him. Considering what type of films were being edited by the British censors, it's rather shocking that there's so much nudity on display here. My inner hippy found it fascinating until my inner punk surfaced the moment Quintessence began performing the track that gave the documentary its title.

Displayed here are the remains of the last witch to be executed in England and artefacts from around the world. With its atmosphere and visuals, this really does come off as one of the better British horror films from this period. The accompanying booklet (only available with the first pressing) is arguably the best extra of all with a number of illuminating essays from experts on cinema and paganism. If it is hard evidence of modern witchcraft practises you are looking for, this is probably not your best bet, although it does give some insight. Although a lesser known actress staring in Up Pompei, 1969 and The Morecambe and Wise Show, 1968, Penny’s playing to the camera with pouting looks and stylised standing often give her away.

The investigation into a haunted house is about as persuasive as some hokey ghost-hunting TV show, but the black mass proved far more compelling, as did the segment showing scrying, where a coven member strives to glimpse into the future. This is a beautiful start to the film, and the story itself has definite roots in the Wiccan creation story of ‘Our Lady of Infinite Love’, who goes by many names, including that of Dianna.We then meet Penny, who wants to join a coven although we never find out precisely why she is so keen to do so. Parallels between Christian and pagan rituals are drawn, and time is spent putting witchcraft into a historical context and reflecting on its influence on everyday life. Legend of the Witches(1970, 85 mins): The originally X-rated film documentary which looks in detail at previously hidden magic rites and rituals. Sharing the secrets of initiation into a coven, divination through animal sacrifice, ritual scrying, the casting of a 'death spell', and the chilling intimacy of a Black Mass. Another woman was supposedly cured of cancer by Sanders sitting with her in the hospital for three days and nights, holding her feet and pouring “healing energy” into her.