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Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Theatre of Blood (1973)

Being a huge fan of Shakespeare, it was really fun seeing Vincent Price delivering so many great lines and soliloquies in the 1973 horror film, "Theatre of Blood", and is now my favorite Vince Price film. This was one of Vincent Price's favorite movies as well because it gave him the chance to deliver such lines after finding it difficult to be cast in a Shakespearean play or movie since he was typecast to horror films. The film is fun, campy, violent, and very clever in my opinion. It feels very 70's and British, which in this case is a wonderful thing. At times it does feel a bit redundant but overall it's a thrill ride that plays an unique sense of tribute to the Bard.


Edward Lionheart is a passionate Shakespearean actor who has just completed his final season of performances. When it comes time to receive his naturally expected award for the "Critics Circle Award for Best Actor", he is stunned and personally humiliated that he lost unanimously. After grabbing the award that was awarded to him, Lionheart gives an impassioned rendition of Hamlet's third soliloquy before jumping off the edge of the building and into the water below. Years later the critics are being killed off one by one by Lionheart, each in a fashion that resembles a death scene from a Shakespearean play; with each death following the order of the plays that Lionheart appeared in during his final season. Lionheart is able to trick each critic into believing that he's someone else before revealing himself and delivering a delicious quote from Shakespeare as he makes his killing blow. Believing Lionheart to be dead, the prime suspect is Lionheart's daughter. To prove her innocence, Lionheart reveals himself to one of the critics and allows him to live, just so he can tell the police that it is Lionheart who is behind the murders. With just one critic remaining, the police narrow in and trap Lionheart before he can make his escape. Like a true artist, Lionheart knows how to make the ultimate exit.

Favorite moment - I love the scene in which Lionheart is playing Shylock from "The Merchant of Venice", and how he plays with the critic who has been tricked into reading the role of Antonio.


Lionheart as Titus

Lionheart as Shylock

Lionheart receiving his award at last

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