1645 sees England in the grip of a bloody civil war. The structure of law and order has broken down. During this climate of fear self styled witch hunter Matthew Hopkins tours the country preying on innocent victims in the name of the Lord.

His name strikes fear into the hearts of superstitious people already terrorised by war.

During his reign of terror Hopkins travels the country torturing and executing innocent people for personal gain after claiming to find evidence of witchcraft.

Vincent Price gives an outstanding performance as the sadistic witchfinder in one British cinemas best horror films.