Movie |
Eagle | Fire
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Best Dramatic Presentation | 1963 | Sidney
Star Peter Wyngarde initially found the script for "Burn, Witch, Burn" (titled "Night of the Eagle" at the time) to be "rubbish" and decided to pass on the film. Later when Wyngarde saw a luxury car that he desperately wanted to own he went back and took the role of Norman Taylor: asking to be paid exactly the amount for the cost of the car.
Peter Wyngarde attended the premiere of the film with fellow British actor Alan Bates. Much to his disdain, he and Bates were the only people in the audience. Years later after the film received an American release, Wyngarde was pleased to learn that "Burn, Witch, Burn" played in Times Square for several years and found a bigger audience.
Star Peter Wyngarde said that his reaction to the infamous eagle attack was genuine as the huge bird had a nine foot wingspan and tremendous talons.
American International Pictures insisted on playing up the horror-occult themes of the film when marketing it. As part of this, the film's original title was changed to the more ominous "Burn, Witch, Burn" - a line that Margaret Johnston speaks in the film. Also, the voice-over opening where a spell is cast upon the audience was added for setting the tone.
Raw meat was placed on Peter Wyngarde's back to make the trained eagle swoop down at him during the finale. After a while the meat became soured and the bird would stop diving for it.
"Prologue Narrator: [First lines] Ladies and gentlemen, the motion picture you are about to see contains an evil spell, as used by practitioners of witchcraft for centuries. Even today, in many parts of the world, people practiced black magic and witchcraft. Charms, amulets, voodoo candles, grave dirt, and locks of hair are believed to ward off evil spirits and spells. You may doubt the effectiveness of these spells, but through every civilization, people have believed in witches. Could they all be wrong? I don't think so. For I have see its power, proved too many times. I am now about to dispel all evil spirits that may radiate from the screen during this performance! [recites chant] Prologue Narrator: And now, with a free mind and a protected soul, we ask you to enjoy, "Burn Witch, Burn.""
"Norman Taylor: I do NOT believe."
