"Theatre of Blood" is another horror product with Vincent Price seeking revenge against those that mistreated him; "House of Wax" and both "Dr. Phibes" films are clear examples. However, though inferior to the first one, this movie is much more enjoyable than the other two.
This time Price plays Edward Lionheart a mediocre shakespearean actor demolished by the members of the Circle of Theatre Critics that after surviving a suicide intent goes insane and starts killing his detractors in different ways suggested by Shakespeare's plays.
Tough perhaps a bit too slow the film stands well mainly due to Price's performance; audiences always loved the actor's conscious overacting in this genre and he knew it perfectly. He is at his best in the different characters he plays according to Shakespeare's creations. The victims are a qualified supporting cast that includes such important names as those of Jack Hawkins, Harry Andrews, Ian Hendry, Coral Browne and a brilliant Robert Morley. Former blond sex symbol Diana Dors is there too.
The atmosphere is very well achieved with a sort of a not too bright color as well as a sort of Gothic settings in some scenes (mainly in the abandoned theatre where Lionheart has established his headquarters. Good action and originality in the murder sequences also help the picture.
If you consider "Theatre of Blood" a horror film or a thriller it is a more than acceptable product and if you take it as a horror Price movie its even better. Somehow this fine actor has always managed to gain the audience's sympathy no matter how mean and cruel his character could be.
This film is at least a 7 out of 10 mark for me.
This time Price plays Edward Lionheart a mediocre shakespearean actor demolished by the members of the Circle of Theatre Critics that after surviving a suicide intent goes insane and starts killing his detractors in different ways suggested by Shakespeare's plays.
Tough perhaps a bit too slow the film stands well mainly due to Price's performance; audiences always loved the actor's conscious overacting in this genre and he knew it perfectly. He is at his best in the different characters he plays according to Shakespeare's creations. The victims are a qualified supporting cast that includes such important names as those of Jack Hawkins, Harry Andrews, Ian Hendry, Coral Browne and a brilliant Robert Morley. Former blond sex symbol Diana Dors is there too.
The atmosphere is very well achieved with a sort of a not too bright color as well as a sort of Gothic settings in some scenes (mainly in the abandoned theatre where Lionheart has established his headquarters. Good action and originality in the murder sequences also help the picture.
If you consider "Theatre of Blood" a horror film or a thriller it is a more than acceptable product and if you take it as a horror Price movie its even better. Somehow this fine actor has always managed to gain the audience's sympathy no matter how mean and cruel his character could be.
This film is at least a 7 out of 10 mark for me.