Fictionalized documentary showing the evolution of witchcraft, from its pagan roots to its confusion with hysteria in Eastern Europe.Fictionalized documentary showing the evolution of witchcraft, from its pagan roots to its confusion with hysteria in Eastern Europe.Fictionalized documentary showing the evolution of witchcraft, from its pagan roots to its confusion with hysteria in Eastern Europe.
Elisabeth Christensen
- En ældre bondekone
- (as Elizabeth Christensen)
- …
John Andersen
- Chief Inquisitor
- (as Johs Andersen)
Emmy Schønfeld
- Marie, the Seamstress
- (as Emmy Schönfeld)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe Swedish film censors required numerous cuts in the film, before authorizing its release. Among the censored scenes were the closeup of the finger being removed from the hanged man's hand, the trampling of the cross in the witch's sabbath scene, the shot of the oozing infant held over a cooking pot, a closeup of a woman's face while she is on a torture rack, closeups of several instruments of torture being employed, and a shot of a demon embracing a nude woman (all these shots have since been restored to the film).
- GoofsThe skeletal horse-like creature wandering around during the Sabbath clearly is being moved about by a couple of stage hands, hidden under the blanket that covers its "body". The feet of the crew member at the front of the monster are visible in one shot.
- Quotes
Title Card: Poor little hysterical witch! In the middle ages you were in conflict with the church. Now it is with the law.
- Crazy creditsDirector Benjamin Christensen personally thanks his cinematographer and art director through the opening titles.
- Alternate versionsWitchcraft Through the Ages (1968), the 76-minute version of Häxan, narrated by William S. Burroughs, with a soundtrack featuring Jean-Luc Ponty
- ConnectionsEdited into From Camille to Joan of Arc (1961)
Featured review
Fascinating
This film gives us a thoughtful look at the horrifying potential of fear, ignorance and superstition. I have to say I admire the courage Benjamin Christensen showed in making this film which not only must have offended the sensibilities of the time for the obvious reasons but also because it dared to champion reason over superstition as a way of explaining things which we do not fully understand. This film resonates with its message that those who judged others unjust may not have been just themselves.
helpful•385
- Space_Mafune
- Nov 6, 2002
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- SEK 2,000,000 (estimated)
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