Hexen bis aufs Blut gequält

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Hexen bis aufs Blut gequält
Directed by	Michael Armstrong
Produced by	Adrian Hoven
Written by	based up Michael Armstrong's script
Release date(s)	1970
Country	West Germany
IMDb profile

Hexen bis aufs Blut gequält is a German horror film released in 1970. It was distributed in the United States as Mark of the Devil and is most remembered for its marketing: slogans included "Positively the most horrifying film ever made" and "Rated V for Violence", while barf bags were given free to the audience upon admission.

Hexen bis aufs Blut gequält is based up Michael Armstrong's 1969 script. The original plans were led by producer Adrian Hoven, who intended to produce, direct and star in the film. Hoven's version was a completely different film rumoured to have been called The Witch Hunter Dr. Dracula. The film was made to cash in on the success of the 1968 British classic Witchfinder General.

Production was a nightmare. Hoven and director Michael Armstrong disliked each other intensely. Hoven never kept any of Armstrong's scripts on the set, so his own old ideas could creep into the film. Because the cinematographer was a friend of Hoven's, they would both go off and film their own inserts. It is now difficult to say what was filmed by Hoven and what by Armstrong.

Hexen bis aufs Blut gequält was more successful at the box office than Witchfinder General and this success is often attributed to the aforementioned advertising campaign.

Although some people criticise it for being too grisly and realistic, Hexen bis aufs Blut gequält has been praised for its musical score and Austrian location filming.

To give the film some historical accuracy, it was filmed in an Austrian castle where actual witchfinding interrogations took place. This castle also served as a museum with authentic torture tools that were used in the film.

For the infamous tongue-ripping scene, an authentic set of tongs was used while the actress, (Gaby Fuchs) held a sheep's tongue in her mouth.