Simon King of the Witches

Dark Sky

R1 DVD

The late Sixties and early Seventies saw a revival of interest in occultism and Witchcraft. The so-called “Wiccan” and neo-pagan movement developed out of the Sixties search for new spirituality and swept across the US and into England and Australia. It combined the worship of the “Old Gods” of paganism with various forms of ceremonial and ritual magic. One of better known characters in the movement was and is a ceremonial magician and author Poke Runyon (who today continues to run The Church of Astarte). It is believed the major character Simon Sinestrari was loosely based on him.

The film was released in 1971 and has since been considered a favourite of cult film aficionados and occultists. It is an unusual film in that it is not horror cinema but more of a cynical supernatural thriller, filled with sarcasm, anti-establishment flair and a fairly solid knowledge of occult lore. Most films covering such territory do not research the subject well, but this film shows a solid background in esoteric thought as well as a great sense of humour. It also features some nice cinematography and the ability to capture a sense of what the “occult” world of alternative spirituality is like.

Simon opens the film by telling us that although some people call him a warlock, but he is really a modern day wizard, a practitioner of the ancient arts and a man of quite some magical power. In many ways this opening is rather satirical since he lives in a drain pipe and for all his great occult wisdom and supernatural power is picked up by the cops for being a street bum and put in the slammer for the night.

In jail he meets Turk who is fascinated by the enigmatic Simon and soon they form a friendship. Turk is soon introduced to some of Simon’s friends, most of which seem superficial and shallow; they seem only interested in Simon due to his eccentricity and the fact they can show him off to their jaded friends.

Hercules is a local trend setter who invites Simon to perform at a party he is hosting. Simon comes and puts on quite a show but when his Simon is ripped off he decides to prove his powers are not to be taken lightly. Along the way he gets together with Linda, a pretty little dope fiend (who also happens to be the daughter of a local law official) and together they practise some sorcery. However, things don’t go to plan when a local narcotics officer tries to frame Simon. More and more Simon has to use his skills to protect himself and get revenge, yet the more he does so, his hatred for the establishment grows.

Simon, King of the Witches is quirky and bizarre. It is not a horror film and not even really a thriller, it is more a cult supernatural film filled with witty dialogue, strange rituals and occasional psychedelic flourishes.

The DVD release from Dark Sky is rather impressive; considering it was a little known film from 1971 they have done a great job. Sure, there is a little bit of print damage but it is insignificant. It is much the same with the sound, a solid job with only very occasional problems.

The extras include an interview with the actor who played Simon (Andrew Prine) and an interview with the film’s director, Bruce Kessler. There is also a trailer, radio spot and a slideshow of posters, lobby cards etc.

This review will appear in Volume 2 No.2 (2009) of the digital and print edition of Synergy Magazine.

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