Mark of the Devil

In a small 18th Century European hamlet, the feared local witch hunter, Albino, dutifully snares and disposes of conjuring wenches and wicked warlocks. With his seemingly limitless power to effect intimidation by threat of execution, he has begun to run amuck, using the threat of accusation to garner for himself all manner of sexual services. Assisted by his mealy Advokat, Albino regularly rapes pretty young females (nuns, even) and murders their valiant male compatriots. This all changes, however, when young Count Christian von Meruh and the attending Executioner arrive bearing a proclamation. This paves the way for the much exalted Lord Cumberland, the only chosen witch finder with absolute authority from the country’s reigning Prince. Albino initially resists this change, then attempts to ally himself with Christian, promising all the buxom females he desires. Upon being flatly rejected, Albino makes it a point to accuse and imprison the local bar wench, Vanessa (Olivera Vuco), for whom Christian has shown a sudden liking. Surely Lord Cumberland, upon his arrival, will sort this matter and properly punish Albino. Christian bears a staunch loyalty, admiration and awe for the Lord, clearly serving as the pupil to Cumberland who, by decree of the Church, ferrets out and executes confessed witches. His esteem for the master witch finder takes a severe blow when Cumberland agrees that Vanessa is likely a witch. Further, Christian becomes further aware that all is not well with his mentor when Cumberland sentences young Baron Daume to torture and eventual death unless he agrees to surrender his inherited land and riches to the Church. With his thoughts and emotions in a swirl, Christian must work fast to save the Baron, free Vanessa, and confront the hypocritical Cumberland. —DVDverdict.com