David AnnandaleTHE WITCHMAKER (1969) is a new one for me. A team of paranormal investigators run afoul of a swampland coven, whose base of operations is rather more grand and full of pillars than one would expect in the fog-bound swamp. Executive producing is L.Q. Jones, who would, two years later, co-write, co-produce and co-star in the thematically related BROTHERHOOD OF SATAN.
THE WITCHMAKER isn’t quite as good as BROTHERHOOD, and its plot doesn’t bear a lot of scrutiny. But it has atmosphere to burn, and it dialogue is surprisingly good, and keeps the pace humming along. It’s the kind of film that feels like the sort that could become dull, but never does. I realize that sounds like damning with faint praise, but it isn’t meant to be.