The Witches (1966)

Joan Fontaine: Gwen Mayfield

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Quotes 

• Gwen Mayfield : Look at this! Stuck full of pins and it's head missing. What do you think it could possible be?

  Stephanie Bax : Witchcraft? Somebody having a little dabble? Yes, I would think so. Or did you think I was going to say, no no no, it can't happen here? I bet there are lots of remote spots where remnants of witchcraft are still practiced. Places like Heddaby, in fact. I've often wondered.

  Gwen Mayfield : Well, what are we going to do?

  Stephanie Bax : Do? Ah.

  Gwen Mayfield : Well, I'd like to start by removing those pins.

  Stephanie Bax : Yes, we could- Oh, no! Emphatically not! Do you see why? Well, that would mean admitting belief in it all, for ourselves I mean.

  Gwen Mayfield : Oh, I see!

  Stephanie Bax : I did some articles on witches once. No, not witches, damn them, people who thought they were witches. The psychology of it. It's a sex thing deep down, of course, mostly women go in for it, older women.

  Gwen Mayfield : Like, um, Mrs. Rigg, for instance?

  Stephanie Bax : Yes. They relish the idea of a secret power, especially when their normal powers are failing. Now, they may believe in it, the point is, do we? What are we giving into if we admit the possibility that a healthy young kid can be put in hospital by mere ill will? That's where it gets fascinating.

  Gwen Mayfield : I see, what we admit we believe and what we believe I suppose, could destroy us.

  Stephanie Bax : Beautifully put.