The Witchfinder General

DISTANT HAMMERING

A WOMAN'S SCREAMS MINGLE WITH CHANTED PRAYERS

"..Glory and power is to our God..."

"..Gather yourselves together to the great supper of God,

"that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of tribunes and the flesh of mighty men..."

HOWLING WIND

"..and the flesh of free men, and of little and of great.

"And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth.

"And their armies gathered together to make war with him..."

BRING UP WATER!

"..The false prophet brought signs before him to seduce them who receive the character of the beast.

"These, too, were cast alive into the pool of fire,

"burning with brimstone..."

"..And all the birds were filled with their flesh."

The year is 1645. England is in the grip of bloody civil war.

On one side is the Royalist Party, on the other is Cromwell's Parliamentary Party, the Roundheads.

Law and order has collapsed. Local magistrates indulge individual whims.

Justice and injustice are dispensed in more or less equal quantities.

It is an atmosphere in which the likes of Matthew Hopkins take full advantage of the situation.

In a time where superstitions are still powerful, Hopkins uses them,

torturing and killing in a supposed drive to eliminate witchcraft,

and doing so with the law's blessing.

However, his influence is confined largely to East Anglia, which is held firmly in Cromwell's grasp.

But not so firmly that the Roundhead patrols have it all their own way.

There is always a threat from the remnants of the Royalist armies, foraging for horses and supplies.

-Stop that, Richard!

-What?

-What you're thinking.

-Which is?

-Ungodly thoughts of your Sara!

-Ungodly? Depends how you look at it.

-And you a Cromwell supporter, too!

-Hold your talking, you two!

-Yes, sir. Of course, sir!

We'll stop soon to give the horses a rest. You can gabble then.

15 minutes, then we'll be on our way again.

DOWN!

Royalist snipers! Probably just a few after food and horses. We'll flush the bastards out!

Marshall, stop behind to watch the nags. The rest of you, follow me!

-Captain!

->

Look!

I see him, Swallow. >

GUNSHOT

SCREAM

< Another one. This way!

SCREAM

RUSTLING

Robert?

Captain?

-Captain Gordon, is that you?

-We're here. >

It's quite all right.

-Getting nervous?

-Just a bit, sir.

-No need. We got them all.

No, one got away, sir. We'd better move out then.

If he got away, he could still be dangerous.

SIR!

-Thank you, Trooper Marshall.

-He was trying to kill you.

-I gathered that.

-It was a lucky shot, sir.

Yes. It still could've ended my career!

Right, move out. Swallow, join us as soon as you finish here. Harcourt, help him remove the bodies.

-So you granted young Richard leave, eh?

-I did.

-Aye, two days.

How will your girl greet you - promoted to cornet for killing king's men?

-She knows my reasons for fighting! What are you laughing at?

-Leave him. Can't you see he's in love?

-Aye, and not ashamed of it!

-A toast, to the women of Suffolk!

May they keep their beds warm for Cromwell's gallant men!

Come on, boy. Nearly home.

Well!

Master Marshall, welcome!

-I trust you are well?

-My body is as strong as ever, but...

-The war continues?

-Aye.

-Then, why...?

-I have two days' leave.

-Then you must eat with us tonight.

We still have food, though you soldiers take it from us!

Come, we shall drink together.

After your experience, 'tis likely our village has grown small for you.

Lacking in promise, perhaps.

-Ipswich or Cambridge holds better opportunities.

-Richard...

-if you wed Sara...

-You'd give your blessing?!

-..you'd take her away?

-I only have a small farm

-and my soldier's pay...

-I am little concerned with your ill-kept lands,

and still less for the silver you get for killing good Christians!

Oh, forgive me. That was unjust.

But there is trouble coming,

-and I want Sara far away.

-Surely Suffolk is free from the King's men?

Not only the King's army brings death.

-The lack of order here brings strange ideas.

-More rebellion?

I'm sorry. You have worries enough already.

-But take Sara soon and you can ask her consent tonight.

-You have my word!

Good.

Master Marshall, farm boy into soldier.

Welcome back, Master Marshall.

I'm glad to be back, Mistress Sara.

-By the way, Sara, I expect the meal at the usual time.

-Yes, Uncle!

He has agreed to our marriage!

Oh, Richard!

The army has taught you rough manners.

Sara, why is he frightened?

-There have been threats to us.

-Why?

-We've been called papists and idolaters and filth.

-They say we're King's creatures and should be pilloried or worse!

-Who?

-We're outcasts in our own village.

Rest easy.

No-one shall harm you. I put my oath to that!

-Have you arranged a wedding date?

-No, sir. It depends how the armies move.

-Remember, it must be soon.

How certain are your fears?

Perhaps just an old man's bad dream.

-And, being an old man, I must early to my bed. Good night.

-Good night.

-Sara, remember to see the doors are well bolted.

-Yes, Uncle.

Richard, don't keep Sara up late. Country women need eight hours in bed to be proper wives and mothers.

-Good night, Cornet.

-Good night, sir.

-And WILL you make a proper wife and mother, Sara?

-I still have much to learn, Richard.

I'll teach you.

-Now, didn't your uncle say you must early to bed?

-He did.

-Isn't he a wise man?

-He is.

-Right.

-Not much further, Matthew.

-You will NOT call me Matthew!

-I'm not your crony, carousing in taverns!

-Aye, you're not that!

John Stearne, you just help me in my work!

-Work?!

-The Lord's work! A noble thing.

-And profitable!

-The Lord's paying for each hanging.

-Blasphemy!

-I'm merely an honest man who gets confessions.

-The law prescribes interrogation.

And I have the skills to carry them out!

-We have work in Brandeston.

-Who?

-The message says a priest.

-A priest?

One who gives worship to Satan!

-If the priest is a witch, there'll be others corrupted too, maybe.

-You enjoy torture, don't you?

And you...

sir?

-Goodbye, sir.

-God be with you, Richard.

-Goodbye, Richard.

-Goodbye, Sara. I'll see you again soon.

-Given up ale for stargazing, Tom Salter?

-No, for waiting.

-What for?

-Matthew Hopkins.

-A lawyer.

-It must be important for you to wait.

-It is that.

Aye. Well, if I see a lawyer on the road, I'll say you're here.

-How far to Brandeston, friend?

-Three miles. Are you the lawyer?

-Aye.

-Hopkins?

-Matthew Hopkins.

-Why do you want to know, soldier?

-Some village men are waiting for you.

-They sent for us.

-What for?

For a man who may not be what he seems. Come, Stearne.

He's John Lowes. He's evil. A papist.

-That is no proof of witchcraft.

-Wore devil's robes.

-And made unholy signs! Aye.

-I will find out the truth for you.

KNOCKS AT DOOR

Yes?

John Lowes?

-You accuse ME, a priest, of devil's work?!

-We'll judge by the evidence.

-And there's a lot of THAT!

I reject your accusations!

-He's going to be trouble.

-Just confess.

Help us, we have a lot to do here!

LEAVE my house! The pair of you! I reject your foul suggestions!

-LEAVE HERE!

-What YOU reject is the true God! Take him, Stearne, look for the Devil's marks!

-Right.

Help, you two. >

PRAYS IN LATIN Look, he prays to Satan!

-Get on with it!

-The Devil will have hidden his mark well on you!

What's this? The Devil marks his own

< so we will know him. If such a mark is pricked,

no blood will flow nor pain be felt.

Mistress Sara! Mistress Sara! Come quick!

SCREAMS OF PAIN CONTINUE

Satan has hidden his mark well.

Set him to running.

Round the table. Keep him moving!

-You would be his niece. Your name, child.

-Sara.

I am Matthew Hopkins, witchfinder. Being his niece, you too may be corrupted by Satan.

No, not his niece.

A foundling, taken in by him and his housekeeper.

-Is this true?

-Yes! I later became his servant.

-Have you remained innocent?

-Entirely.

-You know the old man?

-Yes, well.

-In private talk, we may shed some light on his innocence.

-Private?

Away from distractions. Perhaps, tonight,

you may help me prove him guiltless.

If you release him now, you might be convinced tonight that this is all needless.

-You will make efforts to present the facts to me?

-Come to my room tonight.

-At what hour?

-At eight... if you would release him.

Now.

All right. He can sleep in the jail.

We will be rid of him.

GET UP, YOU PAPIST BASTARD!

Has he confessed yet?

-Not a word!

-Then stop this.

-But he hasn't confessed.

-Take him to the jail and continue tomorrow.

You heard what he said.

SCREAMS OF LAUGHTER < Put her down, you animal!

There were these couple of right FILTHY girls! Witches?

Yes! We hanged 'em, Matthew and me. Matthew, my partner!

Did it take them long to confess? One did. More ale, sir?

< Yes, and for the ladies, too.

< Tell us about the other one, John!

< She was strange. Loved us for it!

Reckon it was the only excitement she'd had!

Well, go on, then, Mr Stearne. Go on!

Sara, I have come to question you.

-You came here for a purpose, sir.

-I came for your evidence about the priest.

-He's been kind to me.

-Perhaps he had a motive.

Men sometimes have strange motives for the things they do.

I know.

My motive in coming here was to... find the truth.

-About the priest, Master Hopkins...

-We'll have done with him in a day or two.

-He's been good to me.

-He is an idolater. He must confess and die.

-No! Please, don't let him be harmed!

-You seek to protect a witch from rightful justice?

-Couldn't he be kept in a cell? He could do no harm.

-Justice must be done, my dear.

Grant me this.

Please, Matthew.

It's past noon, you unkempt lout! Get up!

Get away!

I need air!

VOMITING

-Where's the priest?

-Where you put him, in the jail.

We'll start questioning him, then?

-No.

-What?

-He stays where he is.

-But he hasn't confessed.

-I said NO.

All right, then.

All right. Um...when do we start on the women?

-I'd say there were a good few witches around.

-When you're fit!

I'M fit! And where were you last night?

-I heard tell you were a-wandering.

-You hear tell too much, man!

WOMAN WHIMPERS AND CRIES

You there, old man...

Master Hopkins says you're to stay here.

You'll be interrogated no further.

RAT SQUEAKS

- Where are you going? - For a walk.

By myself!

SCREAMS AND SLAPS TELL ME! TELL ME!

Confess, witch, to your foul iniquities!

YOUR FAMILIAR! CONFESS!

Stop. Stop. For God's sake, stop.

Quiet, old man! Be thankful you're not getting the same!

How many of them?! HOW MANY?! Come on, TELL US!

FOOTSTEPS John, the witchfinder!

He's coming! >

-You are using prescribed methods?

-Naturally.

-Has she confessed?

Give me time, it's only been an hour!

Continue. I shall be gone for a while.

You're always going off somewhere...sir!

-Aren't you?

-What do you mean?

Nothing.

I've been called to the next village. I'll be back by tomorrow.

-You will remain in charge here.

-To carry on your work?

Indeed.

-And the priest?

-I said to leave him be!

WOMAN SOBS

SLAPPING AND SCREAMING

What do you want?

You.

Where's Master Hopkins? Gone.

Gone?! Where?

Just gone. He's left me in charge.

And don't think I don't know why the old priest is being spared!

RHYTHMIC GRUNTS

SHE SCREAMS

INAUDIBLE CONVERSATION

Stearne, the priest - I've changed my mind.

CONFESS!

Confess!

MUMBLES INAUDIBLY

-He confessed. You heard him.

-I've heard nothing yet.

Refresh Master Salter's memory.

You heard him!

-You did, too.

-Yes, Master Hopkins.

Witnesses.

JEERS, SCREAMS AND WHIMPERS

< GET UP, YOU BASTARD WITCH!

You are all confessed idolaters.

But these proceedings shall be carried out through due process.

What law demands we shall satisfy.

You will each be tied as prescribed

and cast into the moat. Should you sink, your confessions are false.

If, on the other hand, you are seen to swim or float,

then your confessions of witchcraft are proven

in the sight of God.

You will be withdrawn from the water and hanged.

You CAN'T hang me! I'm with child!

And who'd want to make YOU pregnant?!

Quiet! Stearne, go on with your task!

Hey, look! One's gone already!

They swim. The mark of Satan is upon them.

-Give us a hand here!

-They must hang.

-She was innocent.

-God forgive you...Matthew Hopkins.

Jailer...

..take them to the tree!

-The money from the magistrate. Nine guineas in silver.

-Good. Now we can leave.

-Morning, soldier.

-Morning.

-How many horses?

-A dozen for General Cromwell's army.

-Lost a few, have you?

-Aye, at Sheraton Wood.

-That's a sorry bunch!

-Best we could find.

-They'll have to do.

-A dozen you say?

-Aye. We'll be back in Suffolk soon, where they breed strong horses!

-I'm just back from those parts. No better there.

-Been through Brandeston?

-Aye. A fine commotion there!

-Over you taking their horses?

-No, a mass hanging.

-Who?

-Witches, one a priest.

-Where was he from?

Brandeston, I suppose. A brave old boy!

-Why?

-Two troopers will come soon. Have them take the horses to the regiment.

-Say I'll join them further north. Do you understand?

-Yes, but...

SARA!

Sara?

SARA!

Sara...

SARA!

SARA!

SARA!

-..took him and killed him. They said he was an idolater.

-I know. I heard.

-Sara...

-One of them, the witchfinder...

..he...

..he...

I didn't want to!

I thought I could save him.

I thought they'd have pity.

We kneel before thee, O Lord, in humility,

to ask for a blessing on our union.

We ask for forgiveness of our sins

and strength to lead righteous lives...as man and wife.

We pray also for the soul of thy servant John Lowes.

May he know eternal peace.

And 'tis in thy sight, O Lord,

that I hereby swear I shall not rest from the pursuit of his murderers

till they stand before thee, ready to answer to thee for their sins.

Take this money.

-Go to Lavenham.

-I will, Richard.

Stay there. I'll come to you.

I love you very much.

Oh, Richard!

Shepherd, I seek two men, witchfinders.

Matthew Hopkins and his assistant are in Oxney.

-About four miles yonder.

-Thank you, shepherd.

Give us a kiss, Johnny! Get away from me.

Oh, stop it, you dirty rascal!

-Ale, soldier?

-Aye, to wash the dust from my throat.

Another? Aye, I've a powerful thirst.

-Landlord, I'm looking for a man called Hopkins.

-Matthew Hopkins?

-You know where he is?

-He's in Cambridge today.

But if you need a confession, I'm your man. I do the pricking, not Matthew! John Stearne's the name.

I'm Sara Lowes' husband!

You all right? ..You'd better go.

Yeah, I'm going, don't worry!

-And you're coming to see the magistrate.

-Am I?

Not with YOU!

Quick, Matthew!

-For God's sake, who was that?

-Richard Marshall, married to Sara.

-How did he find you?

-He was looking for you. We'll have to separate.

-I won't run. We have work to do in Lavenham.

-He's after our blood.

-Seems he's already HAD yours!

-And he won't have any more!

-You forget our powers. He could be a witch.

-He wants to kill us both!

-Then we'll take steps to see to his death first.

Come, we travel to Lavenham.

I understand your feelings, Cornet, but desertion is punishable by death.

However, two factors stay me from subjecting you to a full court martial.

We are grouped here at Naseby for a major assault, and we need every man we can get.

-And you're a good soldier MOST of the time!

-Sir.

And I would sleep ill if I condemned a man who had saved my life.

But, Cornet, remember this -

if you should leave your command again, I will have to throw the full weight of military law at you.

-Understand?

-Sir.

Dismissed, Cornet.

And may God help you in your search, Cornet Marshall.

-Robert, hello!

-Richard, you're back.

-Aye.

-What did the captain do?

-Nothing.

-I heard about Brandeston, Richard.

-Hopkins and Stearne?

-I'll find them.

-But what can you do?

-What proof have you?

-I have Sara's word.

-Is that enough for the magistrates?

-No magistrates.

-Eh?

We'll talk more later, Richard. We must be on our way. We're after horses for this skirmish.

Come on. Hup!

Parliament men. Comrades of Marshall.

-There's some good ones coming now.

-Hey!

-Let's make a run for it!

-Be calm.

-If they find out who we are...

-They won't.

A fine horse you have, friend.

-The army needs horses.

-It's not for sale.

-You'll be paid after the war.

-I said I'm not selling.

-Oh, but you are! We'll take that one, too!

-So you filthy soldiers can butcher her?!

-Sergeant...

he thinks we're filthy soldiers! You can't say things like that.

He needs some army discipline!

I hear you need more pikemen, Sergeant!

Good horse you had. Cost some. We robbed the county mint!

A day's fighting in Cromwell's army will cure your wit! I am not doing any fighting!

Coward! Just like your friend.

Matthew Hopkins is no friend of mine!

Hopkins? The fancy boy who made a fool of you!

He pays you? We were partners.

In what business? Extermination! And what...?

BLOOD-CURDLING SCREAM

Now, Matthew Hopkins...

SIR!

-Adequate. Very adequate.

-We did our best.

-Lavenham has served me well, Master Webb.

-Now, how can I serve you?

-They're all women, sir.

-Strange how much iniquity God vested in the female.

-Pardon, sir?

-Who makes the accusations?

-Myself. For the town.

-How many?

-Three, sir.

-What age?

-Two are young, sir, and the other is worn and old.

-Fetch the young pair here.

-What of the hag?

-The old ones are more sensible.

-The young are stubborn. They require time.

-I see.

Sir?

-Yes, man?

-We were told your assistant would come, too.

-He's engaged elsewhere in fighting for the parliamentary cause.

-He will be joining you?

-I can't say.

-You can manage alone?

-Of course!

-I apologise.

-No.

I intend to instigate a new method of execution,

and you, Master Webb, shall aid me in carrying it out.

-What's that, sir?

-You'll see.

-It's a fitting end for the foul ungodliness in womankind.

-Yes, sir.

-Now, fetch that young pair here.

-Yes, sir.

An excellent meal, gentlemen.

There is little so satisfying as good food after a well-earned victory, eh?

Naseby was a triumph of strategy!

Perhaps. I'd rather it went down as a triumph of true godliness.

-Nevertheless, it will be symbolised by you.

-Whether I like it or not, eh?

-Where is that cornet you spoke of?

-He's coming now, General Cromwell.

Amongst the most pleasant aspects of victory is the opportunity it affords to reward valour.

It ranks almost with good food.

-Cornet Marshall, sir.

-Mmm.

Rest, Cornet.

Your captain has told me about you.

-He says you're a good soldier.

-Sir.

-He recommends I promote you to captain.

-I thank you, sir.

-I have a special mission for you, Captain.

Ride back into East Anglia. The King has escaped.

He is rumoured to be making for the coast. Find and apprehend him

-before he leaves.

-It's an honour, sir.

Pick your men, start at once.

If you find the King, escort him to Norwich. If not, join us in the west.

Good luck, Captain.

Shall we rest up for the night, Richard?

-We'll go on until the job is done!

-Looking for the King?

-Or finding Hopkins and Stearne?

-Both.

-Richard, you can't go and desert again!

-I don't plan to desert.

-And if you find them?

-I'll take temporary leave.

I know how you feel,

but to risk court martial?! You'll be hanged yourself!

Robert! I've taken an oath. I won't break it!

-It's MADNESS!

-It's JUSTICE!

It's MY justice.

How much will you drag out of me for that one?

He's yours for two guineas. A guinea.

One and a half? A guinea!

And a quarter? I'll quarter you!

You drive a hard bargain! Yeah.

And where would you be heading? To find my partner.

And what line of business are you in?

God's business. Witchfinding. Witchfinding? That's nice.

Not a guinea and a quarter?

Do you know a man called Matthew Hopkins?

Do you know where he is?! I heard tell of him in Lavenham.

What's he doing there? Extracting confessions, I'll bet!

I'll have that four-legged cripple now!

-Why didn't you report it?

-How did we know it was the King himself?

-A stranger hires a boat to France and you suspect nothing?

-In wartime?

Didn't know there WAS a war till now!

-Let's go, Richard.

-Aye. I want to pass through Lavenham.

-Lavenham?

-How far is it?

-Two days' ride. They got more excitement there than your war!

-Why?

-They're burning witches there.

-They're in Lavenham!

Oi! RICHARD!

ELIZABETH!

Elizabeth!

Oh, God!

-All is ready, Master Hopkins?

-Aye.

< Proceed with the executions, then.

Bring forth Elizabeth Clarke.

Right!

< Come on, you little bitch!

SHE SCREAMS

BABY CRIES

Lower away slowly. Keep her slow.

ELIZABETH!

-There are two more to be burnt.

-Yes.

Master Webb, the others!

-12 guineas in silver.

-To be spent in the Lord's service, Magistrate.

-I thank you for your good work, Master Witchfinder.

-Thank you for your aid.

-Witchfinder!

-Greetings, Stearne.

-Is that all, after leaving me?!

-I provided us both with an escape.

-But only YOU did!

-Fortunes of war, Stearne.

You know that I wouldn't hesitate to kill you.

-Aye, I know.

-I hold all human life dearly, Stearne, especially my own.

Oh, come now. You've escaped and all is well.

-Maybe.

-I even saved your share of the pay, even though I did all the work.

Now, will you be sensible, or do I kill you?

-Know what they call me now?

-What?

-Witchfinder General.

-Some think I should be appointed such for all of England. Appointed by Parliament.

-Here, look!

-Sara! She's here!

-Very nice, eh, Matthew?

No, fool! Don't you realise, if she's here, that trooper is around?

-But he's off fighting.

-He may have left after Naseby.

-We'd better move along then, eh?

-No.

That man Marshall is not going to give up.

-Then we get him first!

-We have the power.

-Prove him a witch?

-Exactly.

-He'd never confess, that one.

-On his own, no. But if we had Sara, too...

-She IS a witch's niece.

-And Marshall is her husband.

-I OWE him!

-Go out, ask around. Find out if he's been seen.

If not, we'll tarry here for him.

KNOCK ON DOOR

-Who is it?!

-Sara, open the door. It's me!

Richard?

-They were here! Hopkins and Stearne. I saw them!

-I know. I know.

Well, I'll be in the tavern, then.

He's here, Matthew. Just arrived!

-Where is he?

-With the girl.

-Alone?

-Yes.

-Get us another man to help.

-Where will we take them?

-To the castle.

-The magistrate is very helpful.

-That where you did the others?

-Yes.

Now hurry to it, man.

-What are you going to do?

-You say Hopkins arrived two days ago?

-Yes. Then he was with the other one in the street today.

-And they haven't left?

-I'm not sure.

KNOCK ON DOOR Open up in there! >

Drop that sword, soldier!

This man accuses Sara Lowes and Richard Marshall

-of consorting with the Devil.

-That is so.

-Describe your evidence.

-I saw them talking with their familiars.

-And what were these familiars?

-A black cat and a stoat, sir.

You're a very observant citizen. Well, Sara...

do you confess?

And what do you say, soldier?

I'm going to kill you, Hopkins.

I don't think you'll find that easy. The law is with me, remember.

What are you? An accused witch!

They must be tested. Take them!

HOPKINS!

SARA SCREAMS

A Royalist sympathiser, evidently.

-But...

-Leave him. I'll tell the magistrate. We have more important work to do.

Come on!

-Orders from the magistrate - suspected witches!

-Yes, sir!

COUGHS I heard them.

-Where have they taken them?

-To the castle to test them.

-Test them?

They're accused of...of witchcraft.

-Harcourt, come with me!

-And me?

-Find him a physician.

I've heard of how Hopkins conducts interrogations!

Stearne.

THEY BOTH SCREAM

SHE SCREAMS

Captain, do you NOW confess?

Keep at it, Stearne. It's God's work.

Put her over here. And, you, Master Webb, help him.

-Is Master Hopkins here?

-Aye.

-Let us pass!

-You're here to help him?

-To find him, yes.

-Have you a pass?

Sara, I'm going to place this iron on your back.

Should you faint or cry out, we can only take it that Satan has intervened to spare you your agony.

However, I could show mercy if...

if Captain Marshall were to confess to witchcraft first!

-I shall kill you!

-No authorisation.

-What?

-From the magistrate.

-Not here.

-We'll go and get one.

-THEN I'll let you pass.

-Master Webb, go and see what is the matter.

-Yes, Master Hopkins.

-What...

-Carry on with God's work, man.

-And fetch Captain Marshall to watch his wife's suffering!

-But...

-DO IT!

Oh, GOD!

You took him away from me.

You took him from me! You took him from me! You TOOK him FROM ME!

YOU TOOK HIM FROM ME!

May God have mercy on us all.

SCREAMS