A photographer named Mario (Cihangir Gaffari) goes on assignment to snap some sikk pics of a mountainous region of Spain known for its beauty. He takes along his very casual acquaintance, Delia (Patty Shepard), after creepily photographing her topless on the beach. Why she agrees to go with him is confusing to say the least. Despite multiple warnings from the locals to NOT go into the mountains with Delia, Mario goes into the mountains with Delia. Things get mysterious and strange immediately as the dense, eerie fog and the weird witchy ladies start rolling in. Are Mario and Delia in danger? Yes, the answer is yes! These fools need to get the hell out of there!
The Witches Mountain (1973) is the directorial debut of cinematographer Raúl Artigot. Aritgot shot some excellent horror films for Amando de Ossorio, Eloy de la Iglesia, and Jess Franco, so it’s little surprise that he’d do something special with this film. Despite the very strange and shockingly grim prologue at the beginning of the film, The Witches Mountain settles into an unhurried pace (to say the least) as Artigot is clearly more interested in atmosphere than action or sleaze. Other than a dead cat (hopefully fake), there are very few traces of the exploitative elements that one expects from 1970s Spanish horror and let me tells ya, I am extremely cool with that!
Patty Shepard is one of my favorite icons of Euro-horror, and it’s no surprise that she is excellent in this film. For some reason, Cihangir Gaffari’s handlebar mustache doesn’t get its own separate credit in the film, which I think is an oversight. I love when good old Victor Israel shows up in a film, which isn’t too difficult considering he has over 200 credits to his name on IMDB. He’s always good for a sketchy character who knows more than he’s telling. One of Jess Franco’s regulars, Luis Barboo, is also here playing the guy chained to a wall. Is that a spoiler? Everything is a spoiler if you think want it to be! Mónica Randall of My Dear Killer (1972) is also here as Mario’s kooky ex-girlfriend who has a wee bit of trouble accepting that their relationship is over.
So yes, even fans of Spanish horror will need to be extra patient with this one, because it definitely takes its sweet time. That being said, I was never bored thanks to the gorgeous mountainside locations, the capable cast, and the feeling of dread and mystery that keep slowly building as the film goes along. I love feeling claustrophobic in wide open spaces, and there’s no shortage of that in this film! I keep telling these campers and hikers that nature isn’t safe, but they never listen to me! The Witches Mountain is a restrained affair, but it brings the spookiness that lingers long after the film is over.
Not surprisingly, Mondo Macabro’s Blu-ray of The Witches Mountain destroys the old crappy version of the film on those old horror compilation DVDs floating around in pawn shops and flea markets. If you’re like me and have always wanted to see this movie uncut AND looking/sounding awesome, now’s your chance. As for extras, there’s an audio commentary by writer David Flint discussing the film as well as a visual essay about the magnificent Patty Shepard by filmmaker Chris O’Neill. There’s also a great interview with actor John (Cihangir) Gaffari, who details his fascinating career and working on The Witches Mountain. You want more? Okay! There’s also a long, Spanish-produced documentary about the film.