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Thursday, October 29, 2020

The Witch's Mirror (1960)

Starring Rosita Arenas, Armando Calvo, Isabela Corona, Dina de Marco, Carlos Nieto
Directed by Chano Urueta

(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)


When she learns her goddaughter has been targeted for murder by her husband, a witch calls upon demons to try and protect her, and when that fails, plots revenge on him and his new bride. 


An engaging horror film from Mexico features a great deal of atmosphere, from the billowing smoke conjuring visions in the witch's mirror, to the shadowy photography, and the quality musical score, anchored by a piano piece played by the doomed de Marco before her death.  Although an original tale, the film nods to other horror pictures as it progresses, particularly The Hands Of Orlac in its final act.  The performances serve the story well, with Arenas as Calvo's new wife acceptable of his home and the memories left behind by de Marco, until her spirit begins haunting the place, which slowly drives Arenas and Calvo into a reasonable hysteria.  Corona, playing the witch who also is Calvo's housekeeper, makes for a unique character, not overtly evil, nor fitting the typical imagery of a witch, but dedicated to helping de Marco by performing arcane rituals.  All this makes for a fine horror film with some familiar subject matter but also some atypical touches. 

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