On the outset we are introduced to a cruel and public display of a witch being burned alive, followed by an introduction of how the film is based upon three real historical witch trial accounts. Count Christian von Meruh (Udo Kier) arrives at a small rural village with his fellow merry men and discovers that some uncalled for punishment is being conducted by the wicked local witchfinder. He steps up heroically to defend one tavern girl who he feels sympathy for. They prepare for the arrival of his lord, Christian teacher Count Cumberland, who shows some talent of his own for being a corrupt and misgiving leader. With him now in charge of overseeing all Indictments and confessions. Udo Kier begins to doubt his teacher and rebels. Contains lots of screaming and grisly torture scenes, plus a disturbing look at a chinese water torture punishment.