Meet The Fiery Horror Of “The Wicker Man!”
As The Beatles once said: “number nine, number nine, number nine…”
On this 9th day of Shocktober 2016, let’s celebrate the Halloween season with a horrific story of sacrifice – “Wicker Man” style!
“Do sit down, Sergeant. Shocks are so much better absorbed with the knees bent.”
The Wicker Man!
One of the most unique horror films of the 1970’s came from England, where acclaimed Writer Anthony Shaffer unveiled the story of a young girl’s disappearance, and one Detective’s efforts to find her…
“FLESH TO TOUCH! FLESH TO BURN! DON’T KEEP THE WICKER MAN WAITING!”
There are times when words simply cannot describe the “power of strange” – this cult classic is simply one of the strangest films ever made – and spawned possibly the worst remake of all time!
First, here is the trailer for the original:
Police Sergeant Howie, played by Edward Woodward, is called to an island village in search of a missing girl whom the locals claim never existed. While conducting his investigation, he uncovers so much more…
Christopher Lee in Robin HardyÕs THE WICKER MAN (1973). Courtesy: Rialto Pictures/ Studiocanal
Veteran horror film Actor Christopher Lee is Lord Summerisle, and as always, Lee is in top form as the leader of this stage island…
Britt Ekland was immediately launched into movie infamy as Willow…a “free spirit” who performs one of the strangest and yes, “most naked” dances in movie history…
Britt Or No Britt?
While the Actress achieved notoriety for the naked dance, it was revealed later that the nude scene was a body double…but the dancing is all her…according to IMDB, “a body double was secretly used for the naked rear shots of Willow dancing. The scenes were filmed after Britt Ekland had left the set. The body double was used because Ekland would only agree to topless shots of her body. After shooting was over, not only was Ekland furious to learn she had been doubled in some shots but that she was also a few weeks pregnant in that scene. Director Robin Hardy says it was Ekland herself who did not want her bottom to be filmed, as she did not like it.”
“The Wicker Man” is widely regarded as one of the best horror films ever made. Not bad for a film that was disowned by its makers on release. There is a great blu-ray release that offers a “Director’s Cut” of the film along with a ton of great extras!
Sergeant Howie: Your lordship seems strangely… unconcerned.
Lord Summerisle: Well I’m confident your suspicions are wrong, Sergeant. We don’t commit murder here. We’re a deeply religious people.
Sergeant Howie: Religious? With ruined churches, no ministers, no priests… and children dancing naked!
Lord Summerisle: They do love their divinity lessons.
Sergeant Howie: [outraged] But they are… a-are NAKED!
Lord Summerisle: Naturally! It’s much too dangerous to jump through fire with their clothes on!
The Movie’s Shocking Finale!
The film builds tension and horror throughout, until the fiery shock ending is revealed…bravo “Wicker Man!”
During this “Shocktober” season, let’s celebrate this incredible bizarre and creepy thriller – and remember:
Do sit down, Sergeant. Shocks are so much better absorbed with the knees bent.
Bravo to “The Wicker Man” – and if you are in the mood for more classic horror, then nothing beats this:
Yes, the film that made Frank Sinatra divorce Mia Farrow! Check out the story here:
It’s been a full “Shocktober 2016” already, and if you missed any, head to my home page to find all of them, like this subtle shocker:
Yes, one of the cinema’s most shocking films – with very little blood! Read the behind-the-scenes stories of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” here:
There are more subtle films as well, still effective horror films, like this one:
Legendary Actor George C. Scott brings gravitas to this great horror film, see the trailer here:
https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/02/shocktober-2016-haunted-house-the-changeling-spooks-day-2/
Enjoy your Shocktober!
Christopher Lee in Robin HardyÕs THE WICKER MAN (1973). Courtesy: Rialto Pictures/ Studiocanal
