Burn, Witch, Burn

Burn, Witch, Burn

Year: 1962

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Sidney Hayers

Horror

A brilliant and arrogant British professor becomes consumed by his wife's interest in mysticism. When he destroys her voodoo ritual kit, a dark and malevolent force is unleashed, threatening their lives and everything they cherish. The chilling horror film explores the dangers of dismissing beliefs and the consequences of disturbing ancient powers.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Burn, Witch, Burn yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Burn, Witch, Burn (1962) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Burn, Witch, Burn (1962), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Norman Taylor, portrayed by Peter Wyngarde, is a dedicated psychology professor who specializes in belief systems and superstition. His life takes a dark turn when his wife, Tansy, played by Janet Blair, discovers a poppet hidden by a jealous colleague at work. This unsettling incident leads Norman to realize that Tansy has been practicing obeah, referred to as conjure magic in the film, a practice she had learned during her time in Jamaica. She fervently believes these charms have been instrumental in his swift career progression and overall health.

As a staunch rationalist, Norman is infuriated by Tansy’s reliance on superstition and insists she rid their lives of her magical items. However, things begin to unravel swiftly after this confrontation: a female student, played by Judith Stott, falsely accuses him of assault, and her furious boyfriend threatens Norman with violence. The tension escalates further when someone attempts to break into the Taylor residence amid a raging thunderstorm. In a desperate bid to protect her husband, Tansy nearly drowns herself, prompting Norman to reluctantly embrace the very practices he detests.

In a dramatic turn, Tansy, while entranced, attacks Norman with a knife. He manages to disarm her, confining her to her room. Upon noticing her unusual limp during the assault, Norman pieces together that the source of his misfortunes is none other than university secretary Flora Carr, played by Margaret Johnston. Flora, feeling vengeful over her husband Lindsay’s stagnant career compared to Norman’s success, resorts to witchcraft, endangering Tansy by setting their home ablaze.

Flora’s sinister plot thickens when she uses a form of auditory hypnosis, blaring through the university’s loudspeaker system, leading Norman to believe that a massive stone eagle atop the university chapel has come alive and is targeting him. Fortunately, Lindsay arrives just in time to shut off the loudspeaker, causing the phantom eagle to vanish. Tansy escapes the fire and reunites with her husband, who is no longer a disbeliever.

As the couple makes their escape from the campus, Lindsay notices the chapel doors ajar, a consequence of Norman’s panic. Despite Flora’s protests, he insists on securing them. Tragically, the statue of the eagle collapses from the roof and fatally strikes Flora, bringing a chilling close to the harrowing events.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 01:01

Unlock the Full Story of Burn, Witch, Burn

Don't stop at just watching — explore Burn, Witch, Burn in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Burn, Witch, Burn is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Burn, Witch, Burn Timeline

Track the full timeline of Burn, Witch, Burn with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Burn, Witch, Burn Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Burn, Witch, Burn

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Burn, Witch, Burn. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Burn, Witch, Burn

More About Burn, Witch, Burn

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Burn, Witch, Burn: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Burn, Witch, Burn

Similar Movies to Burn, Witch, Burn

Discover movies like Burn, Witch, Burn that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.