Simon, King of the Witches

Andrew Prine, always a welcome face in B movies, has the lead role as Simon in one of the wackiest, most 'out-there' films of the early 70s. Simon is a bohemian magician who lives in a rain gutter, wowing audiences with his mystical talents. When he falls for the daughter of a prominent city official, expected problems ensue which are met head-on by a highly unorthodox rebuttal.

This is a trippy, 'turned-on' freakfest, loaded with waggish characters and situational discord...a quite likable film, too, which appropriately features Warhol Factory entouregette Ultra Violet. Sexmagic rituals, psychedelia, and gay overtones contribute to the slappy appeal of this under-appreciated counterculture wonder.

7/10

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.

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!

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.

It is a very odd 70's movie and I watched (parts of) it again recently after many years. What makes it unique is that it is the only movie that portrays the life of a magician in a realistic way. This is especially true for those who have been into the occult for a long time. Besides from that, it was also well acted and the story quite interesting in other ways. So it's highly recommended for those who wants to now what the life of a occultist is really like. How it becomes, the pitfalls, and the consequences that can follow from doing certain things. The name of the character is also a hint of what kind of magician he really is. Still one (at least I did) roots for him for most of the movie.