Witchfinder General, also known as The Conqueror Worm, is a 1968 British horror film directed by Michael Reeves and starring Vincent Price. The film is loosely based on the real-life figure Matthew Hopkins, a self-proclaimed "Witchfinder General" who operated in East Anglia during the English Civil War.
The movie follows the exploits of Hopkins (played by Price) as he travels through the countryside, accusing innocent women of witchcraft and leading them to their deaths. Hopkins is aided by his assistant John Stearne (played by Robert Russell), who is more than happy to participate in the cruelty.
One of their victims is a beautiful young woman named Sara (played by Hilary Dwyer), who is accused of witchcraft after she rejects the advances of the local squire. Despite the efforts of her fiancé, a Roundhead soldier named Richard Marshall (played by Ian Ogilvy), Sara is tortured and ultimately executed.
The film is notable for its gritty realism and disturbing violence, which was unusual for its time. It also features a memorable performance by Price, who is known for his horror movie roles.
Witchfinder General was controversial upon its release, with some critics accusing it of glorifying violence and sadism. However, it has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as an important film in the horror genre.