Lights, Camera, Witchcraft: A Critical History of Witches in American Film and Television

Witches have historically made their presence known in the film, whether the retelling of old stories, fairytales, fantasy, witch trials, or even the occult. From the late 1800s to today, witches have taken a commanding presence in film, but why are they so profoundly featured, feared, and adored? Lights, Camera, Witchcraft: A Critical History of Witchcraft in American Film and Television will take you on a journey throughout the decades as you explore how witches in film have created stereotypes while also single-handedly sparking debates, religion, critical theory, gender studies, and a deeper look at spirituality.

Through iconic films such as The Wizard of Oz, The Addams Family, The Witches of Eastwick, and The Craft, and even hit TV shows such as Bewitched, Charmed, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, almost every generation has had their own iconic witch. As films evolve and adapt to the times, these films are seen crossing over into a new narrative of teen witches, children’s shows, and even a new level of horror.

Heavily researched and informative, this book is a go-to guide that will quickly become one to reference for any type of study, whether personal or academic. Heather Greene takes and elevates the history of witchcraft, lending every reader to a new insight into the film industry’s influence on society and the evolution of how witches are seen and viewed.