The Occult X Factor or Fraud (1971)

The Occult X Factor or Fraud (1971)

This 1971 Canadian educational short documentary, running approximately 19 minutes, examines the rising fascination with occult practices among young people during the late 1960s and early 1970s, including black and white magic, mysticism, and witchcraft. Produced for television, it features interviews with author Colin Wilson discussing the psychological and philosophical aspects of the occult, a self-proclaimed witch from New York demonstrating rituals, a professor who dismisses occultists as frauds based on scientific skepticism, and another academic who taught a university course on witchcraft history. Additional segments include footage of a high priestess from the New Jersey First Church of Satan performing ceremonies and exploring themes of belief versus deception in esoteric traditions. The film balances proponent and critic viewpoints through archival-style visuals and narration, reflecting countercultural trends of the era.