The Witches (U.S. title: The Devil's Own) is a 1966 British horror film directed by Cyril Frankel and starring Joan Fontaine, Alec McCowen, Kay Walsh, Ann Bell, Ingrid Boulting and Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies.
Schoolteacher Gwen Mayfield comes back to England after suffering a nervous breakdown caused by an attack by witch-doctors while working in a mission in Africa.
Impressed by Gwen's knowledge of magical practices in Africa, Stephanie invites her to co-author an article about witchcraft in contemporary England.
After a visiting little girl's doll triggers the return of her memories, she escapes the hospital and hitchhikes back to Heddaby, where she's welcomed to stay at the Baxes' again.
The supporting cast also included Hammer regular Duncan Lamont, as well as John Collin, Michele Dotrice, Leonard Rossiter and Bryan Marshall.
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "After a crude opening sequence of poor Joan Fontaine being frightened out of her wits by a prancing witch-doctor in an African hut, this very enjoyable thriller settles down more calmly to make good use of Nigel Kneale's highly literate script (although one would have liked to hear more about Kay Walsh's post-immortality plans).
Bernard Robinson and Don Mingaye have provided their usual excellent sets – notably the pseudo-clergyman's study, arranged as a private church complete with religious statuary and taped organ music – and the atmosphere of horror is cunningly built up out of the tranquil village landscapes: the children rehearsing a home-made pageant under a tree where a headless doll lies propped among the branches; the rose-covered cottage where Granny Rigg mutters marching orders to her cat; the flock of sheep driven across the tell-tale footprints at the edge of the lake by a pair of Alsatians.
If Cyril Frankel's direction is a little flat, it is at least tasteful, and the necessary note of extravagance is provided by Kay Walsh (outstanding in a good cast), suddenly blossoming forth in a horned headdress and full black magic regalia to croon Latin imprecations over her victim.
Joan Fontaine here reprises her "frightened lady" turn, first seen in Rebecca [1940] as the cursed schoolmistress discovering devil worship in rural parts.