My Review Of “The She Beast” 1966

A word of warning to any Wiccan or Witch, “The She Beast” is a film that adheres to the very old world Catholic view of witches. That view is the same as in the silent film classic “Haxan”. That all witches were hideous she devils hidden away from society and only interested in communing with the devil and eating your children. However as a horror fan who is well aware that this is an out-dated offensive view toward anyone who practices the ancient art I love this representation of the witch as ultimate monster, frankly because it gets old seeing possible “lipstick lesbians” hanging out in coffee shops and celebrating themselves all over Nature’s good grace only victimized and forced to use magic in self defense. This “offensive” alternate look at the witch is far more fun and entertaining to watch on screen. Now for my review.

“The She Beast”  stars Barbara Steele and Ian Ogilvy as a couple of British subjects on a European honeymoon vacation arriving in Transylvania. The rest at a hotel in the cursed town that his keeper of a legend of nightmare. In the 18th century the villagers laid to rest a nasty witch after she had taken one too many of the town’s children. Unfortunately for them they did not wait for the Van Helsing family to properly exorcise the wretched creature so they live in the shadow of the deed that comes back to live again once more.

The film relies on minimal dialogue that actually leads you into the story, only highlights of what is happening are actually held up with commentary. Most of the conversation revolves around poking fun at old world superstitions, trivial ever day stuff and jabs at communism.  The film is super low budget and was only shot in 21 days which shows. There is a continuous flow as the plot twists and dialogue bounce from the four main characters that play a part in the witch’s resurrection that seems rushed and careless. However the onscreen action that unfolds in this classic B movie is fun as hell and the witch is truly a sight to see. Sadly she is not really as gruesome as one would hope, shown more like a wild animal that keeps getting loose instead of a planned revenge with system. Barbara Steele is classic Barbara in the film which truly is the saving grace of this little film. The sound and film quality are not all that great but for me gave that drive in B movie feel that just added to my experience of watching this one. I definitely see myself enjoying it over and over again just for the fun of it. Oh and because it is Barbara Steele. I just luv her!