Simon, King of the Witches

Talented veteran Andrew Prine is featured here in one of his delicious starring roles in 1970s exploitation. This is bizarre, trippy stuff certain to appeal to cult movie enthusiasts. Granted, it's pretty talky stuff, but it's still rather fascinating.

Written by a real-life practicing warlock, Robert Phippeny, it casts Prine as Simon Sinestrari, a charismatic "magician" who lives out of a storm drain. Simon is the real deal, and takes himself quite seriously. Seriously enough that when people dare to mock him or mess with him, he takes his revenge.

As directed by Bruce Kessler, this is truly offbeat from beginning to end. It saves all of its credits for the final few minutes, a practice that was far less common back in the early 70s. When Simon first makes his entrance, he addresses us directly, although this device is dropped right afterwards. It's got a deliberate pace, but Phippeny's dialogue is truly something to hear. There is a heavy dose of humour at times, especially when Simon has to help his eager young friend Turk (George Paulsin), who's gotten overly stimulated, if you know what I mean. Highlight sequences include Simon mocking the participants in a Wiccan ceremony, and the wonderful finale which pulls out all the stops.

The main attraction is a fantastic central performance by Prine, who commits deeply to his role. Co-starring are Brenda Scott (to whom Prine was actually married) as Simons' love interest, Norman Burton as her attorney father, and Gerald York as aging hipster Hercules, with underground celebrity Ultra Violet also making an appearance.

This is just enough of a curio to keep you watching. Undoubtedly it's very much a product of its era, but that's part of what makes it fairly compelling. You sure don't see stuff like this getting made nowadays.

Seven out of 10.

This is a enjoyable little film that has Andrew Prine as a warlock who lives in the storm drain underneath the city. He meets a hippie who takes to a rich guys party and he encounters adventures and later wages war on the entire police force. Lots of great scenes, and Prine give a real honest performance. Character actors Normann Burton and Angus Duncan also are good. Recommended.

What IS going on in this film? I dunno, but I kinda liked it. Andrew Prine (BARN OF THE NAKED DEAD) is a storm drain-dwelling modern-day warlock who uses his powers to do bad things. He becomes involved with the district attorney's daughter and low-life drug dealers. In one scene, he faces the QUEEN of the Witches. If you like '70s pseudo-witchcraft nonsense served with a nice dose of psychedelic visuals, incoherent plotting and some nudity, SIMON KING OF THE WITCHES might be well worth your time.

It's always a delight to discover a new obscure film. Even if from 1971. I'm discovering that the films of the 70's are some of the best and this is one of them.

The film is about Simon, a modern day warlock who takes his witchcraft very serious. He may be homeless but he was born with power and challenges others who are skeptical of his skills as a witch.

The film is vibrant, colorful, earthy, and isn't afraid to touch on many topics that back then were a bit taboo. I can imagine some people probably thought this was quite bizarre when they first viewed it. Of course, today young people would be put off by the low budget optical effects, and they are a bit dated, but there is no denying Andrew Prine's mesmerizing performance and his belief in this character. Many actors today cannot achieve this deep committed level of concentration for their character.

It isn't a perfect film. There are a few moments that feel made for TV and as I mentioned the optical effects are dated. But there is no denying the interesting characters and the commitment everyone made on this film. I can't wait to watch it again.

This is barely a horror movie. There are only a few deaths on screen, and very little blood. What this movie lacks in gore, it makes up for it with the concentration of Prine's performance, the period psychedelic fashions, and the amusing dialog and situations. Saw this here in L.A. at a revival screening this week. Andrew Prine was on hand and talked about the film for a bit. Apparently, this film was written by a real warlock, and this was "his story." This probably accounts for the deadly serious tone of someone writing a memoir with earnest purposefulness.

Prine took the film to make the jump from supporting roles to a lead, and he sank his teeth into the role, pouring all his intensity into a very stong performance. Even when he does something silly and laughable like talking to a huge tree ("Hello, my old friend, how are you?"), he remains utterly believable as that character, even though you laugh.

Fans of high Hippie Couture and silly psychedelic effects (dig the trippy "walking into the mirror" effect) have some good stuff here to treat their eyes with. (If you liked the look of "Psych Out" or "The Trip" you'll have a ball.) There's a fairly linear plot with a few twists, but overall an enjoyable ride. Recommended, if you can find it. I believe it is not available on DVD and the print that was screened was purportedly "one of only three in existence."

UPDATE 1/2008: Reports on the internet state that this film will becoming out on DVD, later this year, 2008. I will probably be picking up a copy when it comes out. It was quite an enjoyable viewing and I am looking forward to exposing it to my friends. Yeah boy!