Theatre of Blood (1973)

Several London theatre critics are brutally killed in manners remniscent of those in Shakespeare plays. The police speak to the head of the critic's group who can only imagine that the culprit could be Edward Lionheart, a man who swore revenge on the group for denying him the Critic's Award but then jumped to his death from a balcony. His daughter Edwina confirms that Lionheart is dead and buried, but as the killins continue, the police are forced to make their own assumptions...
 

 
Theatre of Blood was an independent British production, very much in the style of the AIP films of the time, and it obviously owes a great debt to their earlier film Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971), reworking the idea of a serial killer, played by Vincent Price, taking revenge on those he feel has wronged him with a running theme for all the killings. Fortunately the film is different enough that it remains enjoyably original: The killings themselves are elevated the main role here, permitting much more from Price (who as Dr Phibes was saddled with horrible injuries, and usually had to simply watch as the killings occured) while the police proceedurals are almost completely written out. The tone is generally darker than that of Dr. Phibes, and certainly lacks that film's strand of straight-forward comedy, although there is plenty of dark comedy, and a very heavy layer of irony throughout.

Fortunately despite the focus almost entirely on the killings, the film flows quite effectively and is pretty well paced, although some might find it rather repetitive towards the end when it does begin to drag a little. The ideas behind the murders are very well thought out and varied, taking inspiriation from well known titles such as Richard III to the far more obscure Troilus and Cressida, fortunately the script is well balanced to explain what is going on to those not fluent in the Bard while not patronising those who do know his works. The climax is rather disappointingly cliché and predictable, but seems appropriate.

Director Douglas Hickox does a generally good job, particularly in giving atmosphere to the scenes with Vincent Price. The production is strong, evident in the extensive mix of costumes and good looking locations that the film uses while the gory effects look surprisingly effective. Composer Michael J. Lewis provides an oddly minimal score but it fits the film quite well.
 

 
Top billing of course goes to Vincent Price who gets to give an entire repertory of Shakespearian characters in a performance that he correctly described as one of his very best. He seems to relish every single one, suitably hamming them up as per his character. His daughter is played by the beautiful Avengers star Dianna Rigg, who gets to wear almost as many costumes as he does and their scenes together are particularly well played. The attractive Madeline Smith (Vampire Lovers (1970)) gets a brief role, in a sadly not so brief outfit. The rest of the cast comprises a very fine selection of British character actors with good performances all round, with such names as Jack Hawkins, Authur Lowe and Robert Morley - the tragic Dennis Price appears here in one of his very last roles.

Although certainly more horror than comedy, Theatre of Blood is a treat for fans of classic horror cinema with the unimitable Vincent Price turning in one of his best performances and a nice selection of character actors on the receiving end. Shakespeare fans should find plenty to enjoy here with the clever send-ups. Generally recommended.

All text in this review written by Timothy Young - 22nd September 2007.
Text from this review not to be used without authorization.

Please contact: