Häxan

(1922)Directed by Benjamin Christensen105 minDocumentary, Horror, History
But isn’t superstition still rampant among us?

Grave robbing, torture, possessed nuns, and a satanic Sabbath: Benjamin Christensen's legendary film uses a series of dramatic vignettes to explore the scientific hypothesis that the witches of the Middle Ages suffered the same hysteria as turn-of-the-century psychiatric patients. But the film itself is far from serious-- instead it's a witches' brew of the scary, gross, and darkly humorous.

Ella La Couras Karna / Sorceress
ESEmmy Schønfeldas Karna's Assistant
Kate Fabianas Old Maid
Oscar Striboltas Fat Monk
WHWilhelmine Henriksenas Apelone / A Poor Old Woman
Elisabeth Christensenas Anna's Mother
Karen Wintheras Anna's Sister
Maren Pedersenas Maria the Weaver / A Witch
Johannes Andersenas Pater Henrik / Witch Judge
Elith Pioas Johannes / Witch Judge
Aage Hertelas Witch Judge
Ib Schønbergas Witch Judge
Holst Jørgensenas Peter Titta
Clara Pontoppidanas Sister Cecilia / Nun
Else Vermehrenas Flagellating Nun
Alice O'Fredericksas Nun
Gerda Madsenas Nun
Karina Bellas Nun
Tora Tejeas Modern Hysteric and Kleptomaniac
Poul Reumertas Jeweler
H.C. Nielsenas Jeweler's Assistant
Albrecht Schmidtas Psychiatrist