The Witches
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The Witches

Year:
Duration:
91 min
Genres:
Adventure | Fantasy | Horror
IMDB rate:
6.8
Director:
Nicolas Roeg
Awards:
Nominated for BAFTA Film Award. Another 3 wins & 7 nominations
Details
Country: UK
Release Date: 1990-08-24
Filming Locations: Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
Earnings
Gross: $10,360,553 (USA) Admissions 266,782 (Germany)
Cast
Actor
Character
Mai Zetterling
Mai Zetterling
The Witches
Anjelica Huston
Miss Eva Ernst
Jasen Fisher
Luke Eveshim
Rowan Atkinson
Mr. Stringer
Bill Paterson
Mr. Jenkins
Brenda Blethyn
Mrs. Jenkins
Charlie Potter
Bruno Jenkins
Jane Horrocks
Miss Irvine
Anne Lambton
Woman in Black
Sukie Smith
Marlene
Rose English
Dora
Jenny Runacre
Elsie
Annabel Brooks
Nicola
Emma Relph
Millie
Nora Connolly
Beatrice
Rosamund Greenwood
Janice
Angelique Rockas
Henrietta
Anne Tirard
Lady 1
Leila Hoffman
Lady 2
Jim Carter
Head Chef
Roberta Taylor
Witch Chef
Brian Hawksley
Elderly Waiter
Debra Gillett
Waitress
Darcy Flynn
Luke's Mother
Vincent Marzello
Luke's Father
Serena Harragin
Doctor
Grete Nordrå
Norwegian Witch
Elsie Eide
Erica
Kristin Steinsland
Child Helga
Merete Armand
Erica's Mother
Ola Otnes
Erica's Father
Johan Sverre
Policeman
Arvid Ones
Policeman
Sverre Røssummoen
Policeman
Barbara Hicks
Old Witch at Meeting (uncredited)
Did you know?
Trivia
The German title is "Hexen hexen", which literally means "Witches practice witchcraft".
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Most of the witches in the meeting are men in women's clothing.
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After a test screening, Roald Dahl angrily expressed to the producers how "appalled" he was at "the vulgarity, the bad taste" and "actual terror" in certain parts of the film. Dahl demanded his name and the title be removed from the film prior to release, but after receiving an apologetic, complimentary letter from Jim Henson, Dahl grudgingly withdrew his threat.
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Goofs
When Luke hides in the bowl of chips, as a mouse, the amount of chips in the bowl changes.
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As Luke lies down on the bed, the position of his drawing changes.
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When the Grand High Witch announces that another meeting will take place next year, her assistant is heading toward the exit. In the next scene, (at around 26 mins) her assistant is heading toward the same exit, from a different direction.
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Quotes
Luke: Grandma! Grandma! Wake up, Grandma! Oh please, Grandma!
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Grand High Witch: Witches of England... You are a disgrace! Miserable witches... You are good-for-nothing worms! Everywhere I look, I see the repulsive sight of hundreds, thousands of revolting little children... I ask you!
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Elsie: [Marlene is crying hysterically] Is she sober?
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Faq
Q
What is Formula 86 and what does it do?
A
Formula 86 is a potion created by the Grand High Witch, that when ingested, causes one to transform into a mouse. It was designed to be used only against children, but anyone, including adults and witches, who consume it will transform as well. Each bottle contains 500 doses and one dose will take exactly two hours to begin the transformation process. Once the transformation process begins, it will take precisely 25 seconds to complete. The afflicted individual will first loudly burp, then begin to expel green smoke out of their mouth, shake, grow fur, a tail, shrink, and ultimately change into a mouse of varying colors/patterns. If one were to consume more than five doses at once, the transformation process begins instantly.
Q
What are the differences between the old British PG Version and the Uncensored Version?
A
This movie was slightly cut in the UK to get the PG-rating. It's at least questionable whether these 2.5 seconds actually would have been the reason for not getting the PG-rating. A detailed comparison between both versions with pictures can be found here.
Q
What do we learn about witches from watching this movie?
A
They have a purple tinge to their eyes; no toes which they hide under plain sensible shoes; they're bald and due to irritation from wigs, will have an itchy scalp rash; they have claw-like finger nails and many have what looks like inflamed, blistery skin on their hands; and they also have a very good sense of smell that helps them locate children that they prey upon (which to them smell strongly of fresh dog's droppings). They also never get caught committing their crimes as they dont use knives or guns like ordinary people, but instead use spells and/or special powers. Examples include the children imprisoned in the two paintings; the snake charmed by the witch below Luke's tree house, and its subsequent disappearing and reappearing into her purse; the Grand High Witch's killing of the other witch at their annual meeting; the Grand High Witch's assistant transforming Luke from a mouse back into a boy again, and her the ability to make William and Mary the mice float up and pop into their cage again, as well as Luke's glasses pop back onto his head out of thin air. We also know that every country has their own head witch, all ruled over by one Grand High Witch.
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Photos from cast
Mai Zetterling
powerpoint question mark clipart Clip-art confused clipart holy family catholic church