Theater of Blood (1973)

If your sense of humor is even moderately twisted, you'll savor this tasty course of well-cooked ham. Directed with delectable British wit by Douglas Hickox, the comedy is decidedly dark when Vincent Price--as effete has-been thespian Richard Lionheart--wreaks poetic justice upon the snobby critics who panned his performances and drove him to a failed attempt at suicide. Reciting his poor reviews and staging murders inspired by Shakespearean tragedies, the actor and his Dickensian coterie of accomplices (including Diane Rigg, sexy as ever) dispatch their victims with shocking ingenuity, and by the time Lionheart reenacts Titus Andronicus by gorging one dog-loving critic (the hilariously poofy Robert Morley) on toy-poodle stew, Theatre of Blood reaches giddy heights of outrageous vengeance. It's all in good fun, of course, and the film's esteemed British cast plays it to the hilt, none better than Price in one of his most entertaining roles. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Stupid is as Stupid Does

I really just want to respond to the 'one star' reviewer who called Theater of Blood "stupid". If you don't 'get it' you don't have have to insult it. Camp humor is a level of humor that requires some sophistication and this film is a Camp Classic. In fact, Price thought it to be his favorite, as it is one of mine. Its appeal is so great to so many, it was recently adapted as a West End production. The high school theater classes I teach enjoy it as a halloween treat and springboard into our Shakespeare studies. The funny thing is, although they are high schoolers they 'get it' and not one of them has ever called it stupid. November 5, 2008

Alive and in Triumph

Wow, I just love this movie. Definitely campy and hokey compared to modern special effects, but gives a great gusto performance. Watch for Bond Girl Diana Rigg in a good supporting performance, but Price steals the show.

Straddling the line between serious and hammy, it's obvious that Price relishes his roles as Edward Lionheart. I loved this movie as a kid and own it now. On par with the Abominable Dr. Phibes. Revenge is a dish best served on DVD with Vincent Price. March 5, 2008

Wickedly Funny!

Black Humor at its Best! Vincent Price has NEVER been Funnier (and seldom Bloodier). If You want a WICKED (in Every sense of the Word) Laugh, This is It! February 23, 2008

Horror with comedy

saw this for the first time recently and recommend it strongly. Vincent Price stars as Edward Lionheart a famous Shakespearean actor who is snubbed at the annual critics awards. In a fit of depression he kills himself or does he? The critics then start mysteriously dying in horrible ways.

This is well done with a strong black comedy element that works well. In fact if the film hadn't had the comedy element it wouldn't have been anywhere near as good. Theres a classic laugh out loud line for Eric Sykes near the end which he delivers off camera - very funny.

The cast is superb collection of mainly British actors, as well as Vincent Price you get: Ian Hendry, Eric Sykes, Arthur Lowe, Dennis Price, Diana Rigg and Michael Horden and a little cameo role from Diana Dors.

Well worth getting at the right price.
July 29, 2007

Answering the critics . . .

Theater of Blood is an over the top romp that just can't be taken seriously. Horror maestro Vincent Price is Edward Lionheart, a Shakespearean actor who takes his revenge on group of critics that failed to acknowledge his talent, driving him to attempt suicide. Aided by his daughter Edwina (Diana Rigg), and an odd collection of homeless people, Lionheart administers a gruesome version of justice with a profoundly Shakespearean bent. The offending critics are dispatched in a series of creatively wacky and dramatic executions.

The tone is pretentious, and the humor very dark. Price seems to delight in this role. Robert Morely's performance as a poodle aficionado is just precious. Price's duel with Ian Hendry is another highlight. Avoid the release by Alpha Video, as the image quality is extremely poor.
February 20, 2007

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