The Bloody Judge (1970)

Director: Jesus Franco

Starring: Christopher Lee, Maria Schell, Leo Genn, Hans Hass Jr., Maria Rohm, Margaret Lee, Pietro Martellazna, Howard Vernon, Milo Quesada

More info: IMDb

Tagline: Horror will hold you helpless!

Plot: This erotic horror film from cult director Jesus Franco is based on the witch-hunting exploits of Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys (Lee), a real historical figure who died in prison in 1702 at the age of 54. In 1685 England, young Alicia Gray is burnt for witchcraft. Alicia's sister Mary (Rohm) unwisely falls for Harry Selton (Hass), a rebel against King James II. After the rebels are defeated, Harry is captured by agents of Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys, who defends the crown by accusing its enemies of witchcraft. Also a captive, Mary tries to save her lover by surrendering herself to the cruel Judge, who takes perverse sexual pleasure in sadistic torture.

My rating: 6/10

Will I watch it again? Nah.

#2 on Drive-In Delirium Volume 1 (part of the TRAILER TRASH PROJECT)

What starts out as a 17th century witch persecution flick ends up as a witch/war/political picture...but it's LOADED with nudity!  Besides the bushell loads of beautiful babes and boobs it's got Christopher Lee playing a real mean son of a bitch judge oozing with righteous fury.  He's a lot of fun and a great reason to watch this picture.  I like films like this, set during this time whether they're about witches or not.  The atmosphere is great.  I love the colors in films like this made in the 60s and 70s.  I'm surprised that Jess Franco directed it because it's not a bad film.  It looks great and is pretty entertaining except that it's way too long and it meanders all over the place (I did watch the extended, uncut version - the only way to see it).  What doesn't surprise me about this being directed by Franco is the gratuitous nudity.  That man had an eye for gorgeous women and we're all thankful for that.  The problem is that the rest of the picture drags in more than a few spots and that's enough to keep me from coming back for more but I'm glad I got to see it if for nothing else, I got to hear another great score from Bruno Nicolai.