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Theatre of Blood has a lot going for it as a horror movie which has now gained 'cult' status. Horror movie veteran Vincent Price stars as Edward Lionheart, an egotistical Shakespearean actor shunned for a critic's award in this brilliantly entertaining movie. He mercilessly bumps off the critics who have panned him one by one in methods inspired by the murders in Shakespeare's plays, creating a thinking man's horror film.

Critics who have ever given a bad review must fear for their life after watching Theatre of Blood. Therefore let me start by stressing that the film is hammy, completely unrealistic, over the top and genius. It is certainly one of the most entertaining and imaginative horrors ever produced.

The film seems like a thinking man's version of Final Destination, but instead of death itself following the victims, there is an actual person as killer. The fact that the critics meet their death in such imaginative and brutal ways forever bound within the pages of Shakespeare's finest plays sets this film apart from other horrors. Indeed, a well-read, well-educated murderer is not what we are used to in cinema, but rather ones with stoneage mentalities and barbaric methods of torture. Having said there, there is a great amount of torture in this film, only it is merticulously done.

The plot is simple and the acting is even simpler, except for Price who really shines as the theatre's greatest star'. Price is what makes the film complete, it brings back memories of his roles on television's Alfred Hitchcock presents where he was evil but poised and so full of class that one cannot wonder how he does it. Indeed if it was not for Vincent Price I doubt the movie would be as strog and as devilish.

The film itself seems to read as a who's who of 1970s British cinema, showing the vast talent around at the time. A young Diana Rigg stars as Price's daughter Edwina, and the critics seem to be a conglomeration of the finest character actors the country has to offer. They include Ian Hendry, Arthur Lowe, Jack Hawkins and Robert Morley (who is especially entertaining in his fatherly' role to two somewhat vicious looking French poodles).

Some well-known faces even play the lesser characters, most notably comic genius Eric Sykes as Sergeant Dogge. Also look out for a brief but memorable' performance from Diana Dors, England's answer to Marilyn Monroe.

Director Douglas Hickox has indeed created a minor masterpiece with this addition to the Hammer Horror series that, upon viewing, leaves nothing more to say.

Learn more about this author, Marilyn Justine.
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