Burn, Witch, Burn 1962
Directed by
Sidney Hayers
Plot Summary
Norman Taylor, portrayed by Peter Wyngarde, is a dedicated psychology professor who specializes in belief systems and superstition. His life takes a dark turn when his wife, Tansy, played by Janet Blair, discovers a poppet hidden by a jealous colleague at work. This unsettling incident leads Norman to realize that Tansy has been practicing obeah, referred to as conjure magic in the film, a practice she had learned during her time in Jamaica. She fervently believes these charms have been instrumental in his swift career progression and overall health.
As a staunch rationalist, Norman is infuriated by Tansy’s reliance on superstition and insists she rid their lives of her magical items. However, things begin to unravel swiftly after this confrontation: a female student, played by Judith Stott, falsely accuses him of assault, and her furious boyfriend threatens Norman with violence. The tension escalates further when someone attempts to break into the Taylor residence amid a raging thunderstorm. In a desperate bid to protect her husband, Tansy nearly drowns herself, prompting Norman to reluctantly embrace the very practices he detests.
In a dramatic turn, Tansy, while entranced, attacks Norman with a knife. He manages to disarm her, confining her to her room. Upon noticing her unusual limp during the assault, Norman pieces together that the source of his misfortunes is none other than university secretary Flora Carr, played by Margaret Johnston. Flora, feeling vengeful over her husband Lindsay’s stagnant career compared to Norman’s success, resorts to witchcraft, endangering Tansy by setting their home ablaze.
Flora’s sinister plot thickens when she uses a form of auditory hypnosis, blaring through the university’s loudspeaker system, leading Norman to believe that a massive stone eagle atop the university chapel has come alive and is targeting him. Fortunately, Lindsay arrives just in time to shut off the loudspeaker, causing the phantom eagle to vanish. Tansy escapes the fire and reunites with her husband, who is no longer a disbeliever.
As the couple makes their escape from the campus, Lindsay notices the chapel doors ajar, a consequence of Norman’s panic. Despite Flora’s protests, he insists on securing them. Tragically, the statue of the eagle collapses from the roof and fatally strikes Flora, bringing a chilling close to the harrowing events.
Timeline
Norman Taylor's Professional Life
Norman Taylor is introduced as a dedicated psychology professor specializing in belief systems and superstition. His rationalist perspective guides his professional life, setting the stage for the later conflicts with his wife's practices.
Discovery of the Poppet
Tansy Taylor, Norman's wife, discovers a poppet hidden away by a jealous colleague. This unsettling revelation raises suspicions and indicates malicious intentions toward Norman's career and wellbeing.
Tansy's Obeah Practices
It is revealed that Tansy has been practicing obeah, a form of conjure magic that she learned in Jamaica. She genuinely believes her charms have aided Norman's success and health, fully immersing herself in these superstitions.
Conflict Over Belief Systems
Norman confronts Tansy regarding her reliance on superstition, leading to a heated argument. He demands that she rid their lives of any magical items, insisting that these beliefs undermine their rational lives.
False Accusation
Following the confrontation, a female student falsely accuses Norman of assault. This malicious act leads to further complications, including threats to Norman's safety from the student's aggressive boyfriend.
Attempted Break-In
During a tumultuous thunderstorm, an intruder attempts to break into the Taylor home. This moment intensifies the sense of danger surrounding Norman and Tansy, heightening the tension of the narrative.
Desperate Measures
In a moment of desperation to protect Norman, Tansy nearly drowns herself. This act compels Norman to reconsider his stance on the practices he abhors, illustrating the depth of their predicament.
Tansy's Attack
While in a trance, Tansy violently attacks Norman with a knife. After a struggle, Norman disarms Tansy and confines her to her room, realizing that her actions are linked to the stress and chaos enveloping them.
Revelation of Flora's Jealousy
Norman discovers that Flora Carr, the university secretary, is behind his misfortunes. Her jealousy of his success over her husband Lindsay's stagnation drives her to resort to witchcraft against the Taylors.
Flora's Sinister Plan
Flora employs auditory hypnosis using the university's loudspeaker system, leading Norman to believe that a stone eagle has come to life and is targeting him. This psychological manipulation escalates the tension and horror of the story.
Lindsay's Timely Arrival
In a turning point, Lindsay arrives just as Norman is haunted by the phantom eagle. He quickly shuts off the loudspeaker, breaking the hypnotic spell and allowing Norman to escape the psychological torment.
Tansy's Escape from the Fire
Amidst the chaos, Tansy manages to escape the fire started by Flora's vengeful acts. Upon reuniting with Norman, she finds that his belief in her practices has shifted, as he now accepts the reality they face.
Securing the Chapel Doors
As they escape the campus, Lindsay notices the chapel doors left ajar due to Norman's panic and insists on securing them despite Flora's protests. This act symbolizes a moment of clarity and resolve amid the supernatural chaos.
Tragic Conclusion
In a catastrophic twist, the statue of the eagle collapses from the roof, fatally striking Flora as she attempts to meddle further. This tragic end underscores the consequences of jealousy and hatred, sealing the dramatic climax of the story.
Characters
Norman Taylor (Peter Wyngarde)
Norman is a dedicated psychology professor, embodying rationality and skepticism towards superstition. His character faces an intense transformation as he grapples with the consequences of dismissing Tansy's beliefs, leading to a dramatic shift in his worldview.
Tansy (Janet Blair)
Tansy is depicted as a devoted wife who turns to obeah for solace and support. Her character symbolizes the struggle between faith and reason, and she ultimately confronts the dark realities of her practices when they spiral out of control.
Flora Carr (Margaret Johnston)
Flora is fueled by jealousy and resentment towards Norman's success, driving her to enact a sinister plan through witchcraft. Her character serves as the antagonist, representing the danger of unchecked emotions and the lengths one might go to in pursuit of revenge.
Setting
Time period
The narrative does not specify a distinct historical time period, but it hints at a contemporary setting reflective of the mid-20th century, given the academic backdrop and references to pseudoscience against a rationalist worldview.
Location
Jamaica, University Campus
The movie is partially set in Jamaica, known for its rich culture and history, as well as voodoo and folk magic practices like obeah. The university campus serves as a pivotal location where academic pursuits clash with supernatural elements, providing a backdrop for the psychological tension that unfolds.
Themes
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Superstition
The theme of superstition plays a crucial role in the film, showcasing the tension between rationalism and belief in magic. Norman's disdain for Tansy's practices highlights a broader conflict between science and superstition that drives the plot's suspense.
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Jealousy
Jealousy manifests through Flora's actions, fueled by a sense of inferiority when compared to Norman's success. This underlying emotion leads her to resort to malevolent practices, ultimately causing havoc in the lives of others.
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Conflict
The film builds tension through escalating conflicts, both personal and supernatural. The storm serves as a metaphor for the chaotic events that unfold, culminating in physical and psychological confrontations that test the characters' beliefs and relationships.
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