Ava Gardner looked breathtakingly beautiful in this film. She reminded me of Elizabeth Taylor in center scenes.
I cannot the life me see witch-craft being used by her character she had played in this movie. Yes, she control everyone with Money, Drugs, Alcohol and Sex, Maybe even Hypnosis, where is the witch-craft?
I don't recall witchcraft either - they must have modernized the tale by making her control everyone by the things you mentioned (drugs, etc.).
Here is a beautiful photo of Ava Gardner with Ian McShane in the film:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcshanebest/2972955097/
And some other photos featuring Ava from the film if interested:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcshanebest/2916517630/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcshanebest/2915671905/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcshanebest/2915672301/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcshanebest/4293819515/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcshanebest/3894085158/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcshanebest/2915673273/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcshanebest/4828299550/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcshanebest/2578191489/