Häxan (1922)

Witches cavorting naked with lusty devils, a baby drained of blood and tossed into a stew, women lined up to kiss Satan’s bulbous ass and demonic orgies are all depicted in the 1922 film Häxan. Benjamin Christensen’s legendary movie explores the history of witchcraft and its persecution in a semi-documentary form. Its bold depictions of torture, madness, and carnality made this film very controversial at the time of its release. Consequently it was banned outside of Sweden for decades and until recently was only released in edited versions.

A few years back Criterion finally released Häxan on dvd with the censored footage restored, a corrected “projection” speed and a new score that recreates the music played at the original Danish premiere. The disk also included some great extras like the 1968 William Burroughs narrarated version with it’s ridiculous jazz soundtrack. 

It is personal favorite of mine and in its original form Häxan is truly a black-and-white masterpiece of silent horror that will not disappoint. Pick it up at Amazon or if you are too cheap you can download it on Archive.org.