Question 1

Why did director Michael Reeves initially refuse to see Vincent Price on set?

Accepted Answer

On the first day of filming, Vincent Price fell from his horse, and director Michael Reeves subsequently refused to see him, hoping that angering Price would help the actor make his character more fierce.

Question 2

How did Vincent Price help the crew when the catering truck didn't show up?

Accepted Answer

When the catering truck did not appear on set, Vincent Price used his own car to go to the closest village and purchased food for the sixty crew members at his own expense.

Question 3

What historical context sets the stage for Matthew Hopkins' witch-hunting in the film?

Accepted Answer

The film is set in England in 1645 during the cruel civil war between Royalists and Parliamentarians, which causes chaos and legal arbitrariness that allows unscrupulous men like Hopkins to exploit peasant superstitions.

Question 4

How does Vincent Price's portrayal of Matthew Hopkins differ from the historical figure?

Accepted Answer

The real Matthew Hopkins was only in his mid-20s in 1645 and died before 30, while Vincent Price's character is well into middle age, like the actor himself.

Question 5

What was director Michael Reeves' original vision for the Matthew Hopkins character?

Accepted Answer

Director Michael Reeves originally wanted Donald Pleasence to play Matthew Hopkins and wrote the character as pathetic and effeminate, but rewrote the script to make Hopkins more imposing and menacing to fit Vincent Price's persona.

Witchfinder General

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