Waste of time

Simply Perfect

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Very much regarded as a minor classic of the genre, NIGHT OF THE EAGLE is a well-shot black and white chiller with plenty of spooky moments to enjoy. Made in an era when the best horror moments still came from subtlety and a brooding atmosphere, the film conjures up a nightmarish world of spells and powerful forces beyond our comprehension. Some fine acting from the distinguished cast help to make us care for the characters and believe the events that play out.The film kicks off happily enough, with teacher Norman Taylor, a resolute non-believer in the supernatural, lecturing his students on superstition and the like. Soon, however, he discovers that something is amiss at home and his house is filled with dead spiders, locks of hair, dirt from cemeteries and all sorts. He destroys all of these, much to his wife's horror, and then the real nightmare begins. Taylor's life begins to fall apart. He is accused of raping a female student at the school, and his wife suffers a nervous breakdown. Eventually he is forced to re-evaluate his opinion on the black arts when he realises that the misfortune he is suffering is the work of an emery masquerading as a close friend.Strong on atmosphere, NIGHT OF THE EAGLE is packed with suspense and tension as the horror of the situation escalates up until the finale. The trappings of a good score and nice photography make this easy on the eye and ear, and Wyngarde himself is very good as the lead who ends up being absolutely terrified and a broken man. Janet Blair, on the other hand, is a little irritating but mainly fine, unfortunately at this particular period in the cinema actresses who had to display fright had a tendency to overact (widening their eyes, screaming, etc.) which can look a little dated to me and can be embarrassing. The supporting cast are fine, with Margaret Johnston as a creepy, limping fellow teacher who has a few secrets to hide.Probably the best-remembered part of this film is the ending, which sees Wyngarde trying to save his wife from their burning home. Along the way, one of the stone eagles on the roof of the school comes to life and chases him through the corridors, until he is saved at the last moment. A simple effect, this, but a clever and memorable one. During this chase, Wyngarde rubs up against his blackboard and a phrase previously written on there - "I do not believe" becomes simply "I do believe". A lovely little touch in what is a very nice film indeed, not totally brilliant but providing enough thrills and chills to be an above average entry in the genre.

This evening was the first time I have ever seen this film - it's pretty good. One of the better witchcraft films I've ever seen. I can see why they call this one "Night of the Eagle" as well as "Burn Witch Burn" both titles fit the film. But I really wish they would have left out the eagle bit because it would have been a more believable witchcraft film - it should look like a series of coincidences and accidents - well, from my stand point of view. The eagle was bit too much for my taste so it ruined the ending for me otherwise I enjoyed the film.The way this was filmed is beautiful - some of the cinematography is exquisite, I mean really outstanding.This film would make a great late night flick - and a good one for Halloween season. If you like movies on witchcraft/occult topics then you might like this particular film.7.5/10

I didn't see Burn Witch Burn until about ten years after it's original theater release. I was taking a literary class in college which covered books that were turned into films and the professor was using Fritz Leiber's "Conjure Wife" as part of the curriculum. The class read the story then we viewed both Weird Woman 1944, and Burn Witch Burn or Night of the Eagle as it's known in Britain.I had seen Weird Woman on television as a boy but I had only head about Burn Witch Burn. Both films have their good points but in the end Burn Witch Burn is a far superior film to Weird Woman. Indeed, Burn Witch Burn is an excellent horror film on any level. The Brits had really started producing some superior horror films in the early 1960's and this one holds its own with any of them.B-W-B's screenplay was by the the brilliant Charles Beaumont which accounts for much of it's superiority and was directed by Sidney Hayers who seemed to have a flair with these kinds of chillers. However, what really makes the film work is Peter Wyngarde's performance as professor Norman Taylor. He is spot on as a logical and intellectually superior man who discovers that his core beliefs about his life may be in total error. I have heard that both Peter Cushing and Peter Finch were considered for the role but passed on it so Wyngarde was brought in at the last moment. Well the right Peter was chosen, because I can't imagine anyone else could have given a better performance as Norman Taylor.American actress Janet Blair was chosen to portray Tansy Taylor. Her background in American movies had been in romantic comedy, but she is just fine as the witch in question. The cinematography is quite atmospheric and conveys an otherworldly sense to the story. The story in Burn Witch Burn contains much more of the supernatural element then Weird Woman did.If your a fan of horror chillers and you have not seen Burn Witch Burn , you are definitely missing out. Its a great little horror film and you'll be glad you sought it out.

Night of the Eagle (AKA: Burn, Witch, Burn!) is directed by Sidney Hayers and adapted to screenplay by Charles Beaumont, Richard Matheson and George Baxt from the novel "Conjure Wife" written by Fritz Leiber. It stars Peter Wyngarde, Janet Blair, Margaret Johnston, Anthony Nicholls and Colin Gordon. Music is by William Alwyn and cinematography by Reginald Wyer.Psychologist Norman Taylor (Wyngarde) is rocked when he discovers that his wife Tansy has been dabbling in witchcraft. She is adamant that it keeps them from harm and is the reason why his career is flourishing. Not convinced at all, Norman sets about destroying all of Tansy's paraphernalia and soon finds his life taking a drastic downturn…What is neurosis? A nerve-change, the physical basis of consciousness as distinguished from psychosis.This, the second of three adaptations of the Leiber novel to get the big screen treatment, is easily the best, a smouldering suspenser ripe with paranoia and atmospheric unease. Subtle in pacing, it's a marked lesson in gaining the most out of suggestion and understated story telling. Clearly not armed with a gargantuan budget, Hayers and his team rely on the strength of writing and acting to let this Eagle soar, and soar it does.Rites and Practice in Black Magic.The back drop is a place of academic studies, where the faculty indulge in get togethers, of drinks, snacks and card games, but this is all a false veneer. Lurking underneath is a veritable hot-bed of spitefulness, jealousies and bitter rivalries that come to the fore once the black magic forces of evil gather to destroy the Taylors.I do (not) believe.It builds with ambiguity lurking overhead, ensuring the belief system of Norman Taylor and the audience is constantly tested, and then the coiled spring is unleashed. The effects work may not be up to much, but it matters not, the impact is considerably suspenseful, even frightening. No gore or histrionics here, just damn great supernatural film making. 8.5/10