In a Danish village in the early 1600s, a young woman named Anne, whose mother was thought to be a witch, develops sympathy toward an old woman, Marte, who is accused of witchcraft. The intervention of Anne's older but kindly husband, Pastor Absalon saved her mother -- but now, urged on by his overbearing mother, he refuses to help Marte. When Absalon's son returns home and is attracted to Anne, it's a matter of time before her family destiny catches up with her.

"A Drama of Fear and Superstition in the 20th Century"

Credits

Carl Theodor DreyerDirector

Thorkild RooseRev. Absalon Pederssøn (uncredited)

Lisbeth MovinAnne Pedersdotter, Absalon's Second Wife (uncredited)

Preben Lerdorff RyeMartin, Absalon's Son from First Marriage (uncredited)

Sigrid NeiiendamMerete, Absalon's Mother (uncredited)