General Witchfinders: The British Horror Podcast đˇď¸ Welcome to General Witchfinders, a podcast dedicated to the dark heart of British horror. If youâre passionate about Hammer Horror films, classic folk horror, Nigel Knealeâs Quatermass, and the chilling legacy of British supernatural cinema and television, this is the podcast for you. 𩸠Hosted by lifelong friends Ross, Jon, and James, General Witchfinders dives deep into the world of British gothic and folk horror. We explore everything from Hammer Horrorâs blood-drenched vampire classicsâstarring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushingâto the eerie folk horror landscapes of The Wicker Man and Nigel Knealeâs The Road. Whether itâs cinematic icons like Dracula AD 1972 and The Curse of Frankenstein, or television classics like BBC Ghost Stories for Christmas, we unearth the films and series that shaped British horror. đŚ We cover cult favourites including Quatermass and the Pit, The Quatermass Xperiment, and Quatermass IIâexamining how Nigel Kneale shaped British sci-fi horror. And we shine a spotlight on the terrifying tales of James Herbert, from The Rats to The Survivor. đť Our episodes explore folk horror, gothic horror, and supernatural thrillers, dissecting films like Twins of Evil, The Reptile, Night of the Demon, and The Legend of Hell House. We also revisit chilling television events such as Ghostwatch and Doctor Whoâs The DĂŚmons and Horror of Fang Rock. â°ď¸ Expect thoughtful commentary, dry wit, and nostalgic tangents about 1980s and 90s British culture. General Witchfinders is your go-to podcast for British folk horror, Hammer Horror, Quatermass, and everything that makes the UKâs horror tradition uniquely haunting. 𪌠đď¸ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at www.generalwitchfinders.com. 𩸠Listener Reviews đ¸ď¸ âReally entertaining and insightful. About half a dozen episodes done so far, and all on horror/supernatural things I personally love and wanted to hear more about. Lots of new facts and just downright entertaining takedowns. Great work.â â 5 Stars ***** 𦴠âIf youâre looking for a fun chat about vintage British horror and sci-fi, then this is the podcast for you.â â 5 Stars ***** Get bonus content on Patreon
The General Witchfinders delve into the 1970 BBC sci-fi series Doomwatch, focusing on the episode "Tomorrow, the Rat." They discuss the show's premise of tackling scientific threats, its creators (responsible for Doctor Who's Cybermen), and its surprisingly strong connection to James Herbert's horror novel "The Rats." The hosts analyze the episode's highbrow dialogue, its depiction of genetic experiments, and its famously grim and shocking conclusion involving intelligent, man-eating rats.
The hosts announce two projects: Jon's photography book celebrating 25 years of exploring the South Wales Valleys, and the second issue of the General Witchfinders horror zine featuring stories, articles, and art. They encourage listeners to support their work through purchases and shares.
The hosts delve into Tigon British Film Productions with a focus on "The Creeping Flesh" (1973), starring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. They discuss Freddie Francis's direction, the film's themes of insanity and evil, and its connections to other horror films. Ultimately, they debate its merits and its bizarre twist ending.
The General Witchfinders delve into Hammer's "Hands of the Ripper," exploring its plot, cast, and themes, including discussions on Victorian horror, psychiatric elements, and the film's unique place within the Hammer filmography. They also discuss the director and cast's other works, as well as its successes and failures in capturing the terror of Jack the Ripper, including tangents related to football and Jeremy Brett. They conclude with overall ratings and a preview of their next episode.
The General Witchfinders explore Nicholas Lyndhurst's career with a deep dive into the sitcom Goodnight Sweetheart, focusing on time travel and horror elements, along with a review of Rosemary Timperley's radio drama Channel Crossing. They analyze Lyndhurst's roles, discuss the show's themes, and debate the effectiveness of the horror aspects.
Itâs 17th February 1964 â Youâve Lost That Lovinâ Feelinâ by The Righteous Brothers is at number one in the UK. Sir Alec Douglas-Home is Prime Minister, Beatlemania has erupted in the United States, Southampton has been granted city status (can you tell this script was running short?), and the Channel Tunnel Agreement was signed, with an estimated completion time of five years (though it would actually take 30). Meanwhile, at the cinema, released as a double feature with The Curse of the Mummy's...
The original run of A Ghost Story for Christmas aired on the BBC from 1971 to 1978, bringing classic ghost stories to television and keeping alive the tradition of sharing supernatural tales during the Christmas season. In our journey through the series, weâve covered A Warning to the Curious and The Signalman in Episode 21, Whistle and Iâll Come to You and Stigma in Episode 32, and The Stalls of Barchester alongside The Treasure of Abbot Thomas in Episodes 41a and 41b. Just five day...
A Ghost Story for Christmas is a series of annual British short films first broadcast on BBC One from 1971 to 1978, and sporadically revived by the BBC since 2005. With one exception, the original films were directed by Lawrence Gordon Clark and shot on 16 mm color film. The series aimed to adapt classic ghost stories for television, echoing the tradition of telling supernatural tales at Christmas. So far, weâve covered A Warning to the Curious and The Signalman in Episode 21, Whistle and Iâll C...
Captain Kronos â Vampire Hunter is a 1974 British swashbuckling action horror film, written and directed by Brian Clemens in his directorial debut. Clemens was celebrated for his work as a screenwriter, particularly for his contributions to British television series. Prior to Captain Kronos , he wrote and produced Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde for Hammer. Other films he wrote that fall into and circle around our areas of interest include And Soon the Darkness (which he wrote with Dalek creator Terr...
The DĂŚmons is the final story in the eighth season of Doctor Who , with Jon Pertwee playing the eponymous hero (see episode 48 covering The House That Dripped Blood for some fantastic Pertrivia). It aired over five weeks on BBC1 from 22 May to 19 June 1971. In The DĂŚmons , the Master, played by Roger Delgado, awakens the ancient horned alien Azal, hoping to gain his immense power. Delgado, a close friend of Pertwee, worked extensively on stage, TV, film, and radio. His work included the BBCâs Qu...
This time, we listened to and read Ringing the Changes by Robert Aickman. Robert Fordyce Aickman was an English conservationist and writer. As a conservationist, he played a key role in preserving and restoring England's inland canal system. As a writer, he is best known for his supernatural fiction, which he described as "strange stories." On his motherâs side, Aickman was the grandson of the prolific Victorian novelist Richard Marsh. Marsh is known for his occult thriller The Beetle , a book a...
"The House That Dripped Blood" is a 1971 British anthology horror film directed by Peter Duffell and distributed by Amicus Productions. The film is a collection of four short stories, each concerning a series of inhabitants of the eponymous building. Denholm Elliott appears in the segment "Method for Murder," playing Charles Hillyer. He is joined by Joanna Dunham, who portrays Alice Hillyer, Charles' wife. Peter Cushing stars in the segment "Waxworks," portr...
Inside No. 9 is a British black comedy anthology series that aired from February 5, 2014, to June 12, 2024. Written by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith and produced by the BBC. The only recurring elements are a setting related to the number 9 and a hidden brass hare statue. The show blends comedy, horror, and plot twists. The episode we watched, "The Devil of Christmas," is a Christmas special and the first episode of the third series, aired on December 27, 2016. Directed by Graeme Harper an...
Intro music from: Arthemis - Survivor (Destiny's Child Cover) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjYCOtYjCY4 The Survivor is a 1981 supernatural horror Australian-British co-production directed by David Hemmings and starring Robert Powell, Jenny Agutter, and Joseph Cotten. In Adelaide, Australia (not Eton in the UK as in the original novel written by James Herbert), airline pilot David Keller (played by Powell) survives the crash of his Boeing 747-200, unhurt despite all 300 passengers dying in the...
We return to Hammer Productions with Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell, filmed at Elstree Studios in 1972. It marked the final chapter in the Hammer Frankenstein saga and director Terence Fisher's last film. The Film Features: Peter Cushing in his sixth and final portrayal of Baron Victor Frankenstein, a part he originated in 1957's The Curse of Frankenstein. Despite being 59 and apparently in poor health when he made this film, Cushing still insisted on performing a stunt requi...
Welcome back to our âBeastsâ Double Bill! Last time, we watched "The Dummy" from the infamous anthology series by General Witchfinders hero Nigel Kneale. We now leave the smashed-up movie set of "The Dummy" with its snarling Y-fronts-wearing jilted actor and join Angie and Roger Truscott in their secluded Hampshire home for "During Barty's Party." This episode features the only actual 'beasts' as the main threat: in this case, large, super-evolved, intelligent rats. Elizabeth Sellars plays Angie...
We continue where we left off in episode 27 with our exploration of the 1976 British anthology series "Beasts," written by the legendary Nigel Kneale (who now has his own dedicated page on our website!), tonight we watch the first of two episodes "The Dummy." Directed by Don Leaver (not Cleaver), a veteran of many shows from our youth and boasts credits on two episodes of "Hammer House of Horror": "Witching Time" and "The Mark of Satan" Bernard Horsfal as Clyde Boydl: He appeared in ...
28 Days Later is a 2002 British post-apocalyptic horror film, our first film from the 21st Century. Ewan McGregor was the original choice to play the protagonist, âJimâ, but he and director Danny Boyle had a falling-out at the time over The Beach, in which McGregor was to play the lead but was replaced by Leonardo DiCaprio (McGregor and Boyle have since reconciled). After McGregor, the role was offered to Ryan Gosling, who passed, having a scheduling conflict, leading to the film being offered t...
Nothing but the Night is a 1973 British horror film directed by Peter Sasdy and starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. It is based on the 1968 novel of the same name by John Blackburn. A commercial failure, the film was the only production of Charlemagne Films, cofounded by Christopher Lee and Anthony Nelson Keys (producer of may Hammer films, this was his last listing on IMDB). #BigChrisLee and Charlemagne Films optioned two other books by John Blackburn, "Portrait of Barbara" and "Bury Hi...
The Treasure of Abbot Thomas is a supernatural drama produced by the BBC as part of the A Ghost Story for Christmas series. Once again, directed by Lawrence Gordon Clark, the screenplay was written by John Bowen (Writer of the SeriesâThe Guardiansâ In a declining England of the 1980s, the UK has broken up and England is ruled by a fascist military force), with an atmospheric musical score by Geoffrey Burgon (Who also created the music for the BBC Narnia series and Monty Pythonâs the Life of Bria...
The Stalls of Barchester was first broadcast on BBC 1 at 11:00 pm on December 24, 1971. It is based on the story "The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral" from the 1911 collection More Ghost Stories by M. R. James, it was adapted, produced, and directed by Lawrence Gordon Clark, who directed every BBC Ghost Stories for Christmas between 1971 and 1977. Can you name them all, Jon? The Stalls of Barchester (1971) A Warning to the Curious (1972) Lost Hearts (1973) The Treasure of Abbot Thomas (1974) The ...
"Dracula the Damned" is a 1960 British supernatural horror film produced by Hammer Film Productions starring âBigâ Christopher Lee⌠Scratch that⌠Rather, the original sequel to the first Hammer Dracula film was cancelled without explanation, although Christopher Lee's decision not to return due to fear of typecasting probably led to The Brides of Dracula taking its place. #BigChrisLee did return five years later, however, when he starred in Dracula, Prince of Darkness. The Brides of ...
Lifeforce (aka Space Vampires) is a 1985 science fiction horror film directed by Tobe Hooper, adapted by Dan O'Bannon (writer of Alien!) and Don Jakoby, and starring Steve Railsback, Peter Firth, Frank Finlay, Mathilda May, and Patrick Stewart. It also features John Forbes-Robertson as âThe Ministerâ The film is based on Colin Wilson's 1976 novel, The Space Vampires. It portrays the events that unfold after a trio of humanoids in a state of suspended animation are brought to Earth after being di...
Tonight, we complete the Hammer Quatermass trilogy (albeit out of order) with The Quatermass Xperiment (a.k.a. The Creeping Unknown in the US) is a 1955 British science fiction horror film from Hammer Film Productions, based on the 1953 BBC Television serial written by Nigel Kneale. Produced by Anthony Hinds, one of the of 37 films he made for Hammer. Hinds wrote a number of films under the pseudonym 'John Elder' which he adopted after Her couldn't afford a screenw...
Murder by Decree is a 1979 mystery thriller directed by Bob Clark (Director of âChildren Shouldn't Play with Dead Thingsâ and âDead of Nightâ (not the brilliant black and white British film from 1945 - featured in episode 13, but the 1974 American film ), he also directed âBlack Christmasâ, âPorkysâ and âPorkys 2â Murder by Decree was written by playwright John Hopkins, who scripted the Bond film Thunderball, and the Alec Guinness TV version of Smileys People. Hopkins referenced Conan Doyl...
Tonight we are discussing the 1989 British horror drama television film directed by Herbert Wise (most famous for I, Cladius, who worked solidly from 1957 to 2001 on everything from The Bill to 9 episodes of Tales of the Unexpected - including âThe Landladyâ which may well be the episode that Jon talked about remembering in episode 29) It stars Adrian Rawlins (Harry Potters Dead Dad in the movies and Mr Pike in one episode of Neighbours), Bernard Hepton (I, Claudius, Get ...
After his involvement in the reboot of the Tomb Raider movie franchise was scuppered by the Pandemic, Ben Wheatley, director of Kill List, Sightseers, A Field in England and High-Rise, announced in September 2020,that he had written and directed a horror film over the course of 15 days in August. This became In the Earth, a science fiction horror film staring Joel Fry, Reece Shearsmith, Hayley Squires, Ellora Torchia, John Hollingworth and Mark Monero. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian gave the fil...
Clips from the best bits from episodes four to six 4 - James Herbert - The Rats https://podfollow.com/general-witchfinders/episode/fcc6efe904b6f9160ab7a0656bc46dd0f5901e93/view 5 - Nigel Knealeâs - The Stone Tape https://podfollow.com/general-witchfinders/episode/ff8003920d88e2462eaa2353dc2a007a102c2789/view 6 - The Satanic Rites of Dracula https://podfollow.com/general-witchfinders/episode/75233646bd312312a10f794fb49b2ffed51b2a72/view Get bonus content on Patreon Support this show http://suppor...
The Shout is a 1978 British horror film directed by Jerzy Skolimowski (who is also an Actor was in Mars Attacks and played a General in Marvels The Avengers). It was based on a short story by Robert Graves (author of I, Claudius and great friend of Spike Milligan, with whom, from the 1960s until his death, he frequently exchanged letters, Many of which are collected in the book âDear Robert, Dear Spikeâ) Grave's short story was adapted for the screen by Skolimowski and Michael Austin...
Quatermass and the Pit (or as itâs known in the US âFive Million Years to Earthâ) is a 1967 British science fiction horror film from Hammer Film Productions, a sequel to the earlier Hammer films The Quatermass Xperiment and Quatermass 2 (see General Witchfinders episode 17 for more details). Like its predecessors it is based on a BBC Television serial, of the same name, written by Podcast hero Nigel Kneale. It was directed by Roy Ward Baker (who is responsible for such highs as A Night to ...
