Mark of the Devil | 1970 | Germany | Michael Armstrong & Adrian Hoven

Quite infamous for its highly-skilled marketing tactic of providing sick bags with the tagline of ‘Positively the Most Horrifying Movie Ever Made’, Mark of the Devil is a spiritual sequel or successor of sorts to the popularity of films like Witchfinder General and The Devils. Count Christian assists Lord Cumberland with the sordid business of witch-hunting, whose faith begins to waver when he observes the actions of infamous hunter Albino, who seemingly tortures women for sexually sadistic purposes. As they close in on the innocent Vanessa, Christian’s devotion is shattered entirely when he witnesses Cumberland murder a man over a mere insult, though his change of heart is too late for the outraged villagers who launch a revolt against the so-called witch hunters. The production used authentic 18th century torture devices for the filming, allowing a degree of verisimilitude to the shocking tortures, including a togune being ripped from a girl’s mouth, pins being driven through buttocks, finger removals, and various instances of rape and sexualised violence. Unsurprisingly, the DPP took issue with the film.