'Theatre of Blood' (1973) – Douglas Hickox.

Theatre of Blood's proud assemblage of the most theatrically refined actors in horror history is no minor part of the film's continued appeal. Anthony Greville-Bell's vividly verbose, sinisterly sardonic script remains a magisterial Grand Guignol masterpiece. His exhilaratingly overwrought text might well have overwhelmed a more timorous actor, but the scenery-devouring, Vincent Price portrays vengeful, Edward Lionhart with bravura, critic skewering, sadistically Shakespearean elan! Edward Lionhart's preternaturally forceful dramatic prowess is able to confound the very boundaries of life and death!

Douglas Hickox's hysterical, outrageously camp classic 'Theatre of Blood' has deservedly grown in stature over the years. Due in no small part to the increasing reverence film fans have for the incomparable, Vincent Price who arguably delivers one of his most imperiously insane performances as the blissfully beastly, Edward Lionheart. His flamboyantly staged slayings are delicious works of vengeful art! Inventively insane, Vincent Price imbues the outsized, oracular Thespian with considerable pathos, his fulminating rage is justified, these creatively inert, champagne-swilling critics are no more than pampered, over fed parasites. Their annihilation, perhaps, a cautionary tale for any who so blithely disparage the earnest artistic labours of other's for their own edification. This gleeful culling of an entitled 'elite' seems no less desirable today, which is yet another reason why we adore, Edward Lionheart so unequivocally!

The technical aspects of 'Theatre of Blood' are superb, immaculate set design, vibrant costumes, aesthetic locations and a notable score by, Michael J. Lewis all adding to the lurid lustre of this immortal British horror classic. No praise of this astonishing classic would be complete without mentioning the exquisite presence of, Diana Rigg as, Edwina Lionheart, the unflinchingly loyal daughter of this most erudite executioner! The inimitable, Rigg brings great humanity to a grisly, uncommonly brilliant Brit-Horror classic, now widely regarded as one of the very best of its kind.

'These critics are on the critical list, and the prognosis is DEATH!' - Weirdlingwolf.