When a girl goes missing on a remote Hebridean island, Sgt. Howie (Edward Woodward) is dispatched from the mainland to assist in the search. A devout Catholic, Howie is appalled at the island community’s archaic rituals, sexual liberation, and pagan beliefs. Community leader Lord Summerisle (an imperious Christopher Lee) explains how the islanders have adopted the ways of the ‘old Gods’ to bring prosperity to their people. But these gods must be appeased if next year’s crops are to yield a bountiful harvest. Steeped in a singular atmosphere, Robin Hardy’s film, an exemplar, along with Witchfinder General (1968), and Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971), of the burgeoning Folk Horror genre, builds inexorably to a terrifying climax.

In celebration of the film’s 50th anniversary, the screening will be followed by a show recorded in London on May 1st, presented by Edith Bowman, and featuring actress Britt Ekland, and writer-actor Reece Shearsmith, with performances from the iconic soundtrack.

Notes by Kevin Coyne