The Witches (1967)
A dazzling Italian anthology where five legendary directors each craft a story around the irresistible Silvana Mangano.
The Witches - Movie Information
- Original Title: Le streghe
- Release Year: 1967
- Directed by: Franco Rossi, Pier Paolo Pasolini et al.
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 22, 1967 (Italy - VM14), March 12, 1969 (United States - NR), September 1, 1967 (Germany - 16), June 5, 1968 (France - TP), March 22, 1970 (Mexico), July 2, 1971 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Hanayaka na majotachi (JP), Les bruixes (ES), Ведьмы (SU), Oi magisses (GR)
- Production Companies: Les Productions Artistes Associés, DDL Cinematografica
- Production Countries: France, Italy
The Witches - Plot
Five short stories loosely dealing with the roles of women in society. A superstar actress travels to a mountain resort, only to evoke jealousy from women and lust from men. A woman offers to take an injured man to the hospital. A widowed father and his son seek for a new wife/mother. A man seeks revenge for a woman's honor. A bored housewife tries to explain to her husband that he's not as romantic as he used to be.
The Witches - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Silvana Mangano in her many captivating roles:
Woman as she is...all things to men!
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The Witches - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Franco Rossi
- Pier Paolo Pasolini
- Vittorio De Sica
- Luchino Visconti
- Mauro Bolognini
Main Cast
- Silvana Mangano
- Annie Girardot
- Francisco Rabal
- Massimo Girotti
- Véronique Vendell
- Elsa Albani
- Clara Calamai
- Marilù Tolo
- Nora Ricci
- Dino Mele
Writers
- Giuseppe Patroni Griffi
- Franco Rossi
- Bernardino Zapponi
- Pier Paolo Pasolini
- Cesare Zavattini
Producers
- Dino De Laurentiis
- Georges Laurent
The Witches - FAQs
Who directed The Witches and how many segments are there?
The Witches is an anthology film with five segments, each helmed by a different Italian director: Franco Rossi, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Vittorio De Sica, Luchino Visconti, and Mauro Bolognini. It's a remarkable showcase of mid-1960s Italian cinema talent all gathered around one leading actress.
What is The Witches (1967) about?
The Witches is an Italian anthology exploring womanhood through five distinct vignettes. Silvana Mangano plays a different woman in each story — from a glamorous movie star stirring envy at a mountain resort to a bored housewife trying to rekindle her husband's romance. The film is playful, provocative, and deeply human.
Who plays the lead role in The Witches?
Silvana Mangano carries the entire film, appearing in all five segments in completely different roles — a superstar actress, a woman in a hurry, and a housewife among them. Her range and charisma are central to the film's appeal. Annie Girardot, Alberto Sordi, and the legendary Totò also appear in supporting roles.
Why does Silvana Mangano appear in all five segments?
The film was conceived as a showcase for Silvana Mangano, who was married to producer Dino De Laurentiis. Each of the five directors crafted a story specifically around her, allowing her to embody a different facet of womanhood in every episode. It's essentially a love letter to her talent and screen presence.
Where can I stream The Witches (1967)?
You can stream The Witches on fuboTV, MGM+, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, and Philo, all available as part of their flat-rate subscription plans. Availability may vary by region, so it's worth checking your local options.
What is the age rating for The Witches (1967)?
The Witches carries a Not Rated (NR) classification in the United States. In Italy, it was originally released with a VM14 rating, meaning it was restricted to viewers aged 14 and over. The film contains mature themes and some suggestive content, so parental guidance is advisable for younger audiences.
Who composed the music for The Witches?
The score for The Witches was composed by two giants of Italian cinema music: Ennio Morricone and Piero Piccioni. Their contributions give each segment its own distinct sonic personality, complementing the varied directorial styles across the anthology perfectly.
What are some films similar to The Witches (1967)?
If you enjoy The Witches, you might appreciate other Italian anthology films and character-driven comedies of the era. Films like Vita Napoletana and similarly structured European omnibus productions share its episodic spirit. For modern recommendations, Rich in Love and I Am Not Madame Bovary offer comparably witty explorations of women's lives.
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