John Prine Video:

		List Price: $14.98		Label: Dark Sky Films Salesrank: 14967 Released: June 24, 2008
		Our Price: $9.99
		Used Price: $10.44
		MPAA Rating: R (Restricted) Media: DVD

Editorial Review:
"All I touch I corrupt."Simon Sinestrari is a warlock. Though he lives in a storm drain and sometimes talks to trees he's the real deal no smoke and mirrors. Deadly serious about his craft he despises falsehoods and misconceptions toward his witchy profession. And as for those who don t believe...After being picked up for vagrancy Simon spends a night in jail with Turk (George Paulsin) a young hustler with connections to powerful people in powerful places. One such character is Hercules (Gerald York) a skeptical philanthropist who hires Simon to work a party of hipsters and the well-to-do among whom is beautiful Linda (Brenda Scott) the pill-popping daughter of the local district attorney. In-between romantic dalliances and colorful sex-magik ceremonies with Linda Simon must contend with those who dare to challenge his magical prowess eventually forcing him to summon dark forces of revenge and murder.Also starring Warhol Factory regular Ultra Violet as Sarah and an array of trippy 2001-styled special effects Simon King of the Witches is a shining vehicle for Andrew Prine (Grizzly The Centerfold Girls) who gives a mesmerizing performance as Simon in this hip funny and often bizarre countercultural cult classic by director Bruce Kessler (The Gay Deceivers).System Requirements:Running Time: 99 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: COMEDY/COMEDY OF ERRORS UPC: 030306815497 Manufacturer No: DVD8154

Simon, King of the Witches Reviews:
It is what it is...
2008-09-21 - I saw this years ago and if you are into witch-kitch, then this is for you. It's like pagan B grade sci-fi without the sci, so B grade witch-fi.

It's well worth the price and a decent movie for pagans to own.

Fun little Film
2008-09-05 - This is a fun little film from the 1960s. Now personally I wouldn't do a human sacrifice on "the man" instead I'd turn him into a big bunny, but then this would be Danny Darko and not Simon King of Witches.

Simon, King of the Magical Movies
2008-08-28 - While this is not a perfect movie, it is a great movie, one of the few about real magic and a real magician. It is sly, witty, and despite its failings, quite brilliant. It never fails to move and inspire us. We seldom see movies more than once but we've seen this one over a dozen times. If you love magic, you will most likely love this movie. If you love movies, you'll appreciate the innovation and creativity that went into this one. It truly is magic.
kyela,
the silver elves

Much Better Than I Expected...
2008-08-20 - Simon - King of The Witches:

I won't repeat and thus detract from the other positive reviewer's comments on this movie. However, as a fan of the sci-fi/horror genres I had read about this movie but never expected it to be released on DVD.

After receiving it I watched it three times to catch all of the overt and subtle nuances and then watched the special features featurette "Simon Says" with actor Andrew Prine. The result? I found this movie to have a clear objective and to show another side of "witchcraft" departing from the stereotypical with an understandable storyline requiring only minimal "suspension of disbelief."

Released in 1971, this movie was cast in the days before computer generated special effects (FX) were conceived (obviously!). However the effects that were created and used are well done and successfully incorporated into the frames. The performances of Andrew Prine (Simon) and the supporting actors and actresses were professional and consistent with the better movies of period.

I thought the film photography was clear and professionally produced and perhaps only borders on the line between a "B" and "A" rated movie at worst. At best, it is an exemplar of the genre that could be believed and that makes for a good movie! As director Bruce Kessler stated in an interview the downfall of the movie was that "it was not marketed and sold properly." I agree with him. If it was, it might have risen to a higher level of film acclaim.

Regardless, "Simon - King of the Witches" is a worthwhile 99 minute trip into the occult and bizarre that may keep you coming back for more. Although thirty-seven years old at the time of this writing I rate "Simon" at 5 stars. Get it for Halloween and view with an open mind. You won't be disappointed!


JP





Hail Simon!
2008-07-30 - i picked up this DVD at best buy and knew instantly that it would be worth seeing. great performance and authentically written, Simon is a real warlock. they didn't make many films like this back in the day... and they make even fewer now.

the actor who played Simon reminded me a bit of Dean Stockwell in The Dunwhich Horror. and i'm guessing that the authors of the Necronomicon from the 70's collectively used the name Simon as editor based on this movie.

if you're interested in a film that is understated and profound, then watch Simon, King of the Witches. some of it's corny and i wish every scene could have been in sharp focus, but one can't have everything.

Ia Ia,

Venger As'Nas Satanis
Cult of Cthulhu High Priest