 The mother superior is usually a cruel and corrupt warden-like martinet who enforces strict discipline (more opportunities for whippings and medieval-style punishments) and often lusts after her female charges.An equally sadistic and lecherous priest is often included to add an element of masculine menace to the story.Some segments from the Scandinavian silent film "Häxan" (1922) may be seen as a precursor for this genre.