The Bloody Judge

The Bloody Judge

1970

Director- Jesús Franco

Cast-  Christopher Lee, Leo Genn, Maria Rohm, Margaret Lee, Peter Martell

            

This movie has nothing of the supernatural in it. Like most inquisition films, the only “witches” are innocent women executed either to satisfy men’s lust or assuage their paranoia, in this case a little of both.

            Christopher Lee plays the titular judge, Lord Jefferies. He presides over a high court pronouncing sentence on those accused of witchcraft. Jefferies is not particularly interested in witches; rather he is more concerned with traitors to the crown and dissidents. The charge of witchcraft, and subsequent torture and execution, is a convenient way for him to rid the realm of rabble rousers.

            The central protagonist is a “witch”, Mary (played by the beautiful Maria Rohm). Lord Jefferies has executed her father for treason, and at the beginning of the film, burned her sister for witchcraft. She catches Lord Jefferies' eye and must endure persecution by him.

            Those familiar with Franco’s films may feel a little let down with the level of salaciousness. It’s more of a historical drama with some nudity and torture than a straight up exploitation film. That’s not to say your carnal desires would be left unsated, there is enough there, particularly a scene where the beautiful imprisoned “witch” Mary, licks the blood off of her nude cellmates.

            To be honest, as an American, this era of British history, the circa Oliver Cromwell era, is confusing. I can’t keep straight who was fighting for whom and for what and which ones are “the bad guys”. Though the movie has plenty of political intrigue, it won’t affect your viewing experience if you are just as lost as me.

            Lee, as always, is a fine villain. Maria Rohm, despite spending a lot of the film in various stages of undress, is convincing as the film’s tortured heroine. The movie also benefits from a guest appearance, and a fine performance, by Leo Genn (Starbuck in the Gregory Peck version of Moby Dick) as the Judge’s chief political rival.

            If watching this film, make sure to watch the unedited 103 minute version. It has sporadic bits of German, but it won’t make much difference. If a torturer is saying something to a naked wench in a jail cell, you can bet it’s not good.