Theatre of Blood (Original title)Much Ado about Murder (Working title)Theater of Blood (Alternative title)
Dates: 1973 (Copyright), 08 July 1973 (Release)Countries: USA, United KingdomDirected by: Douglas Hickox
Synopsis: Black comedy: demented Shakespearean actor seeks revenge on eight members of the London Critics' Circle who he believes denied him a Best Actor of the Year award.
Genre: Horror
Releases
Date: 1973not specifiedRelease type: unknownFormat: not specified - Colour - DeLuxe - SoundRuntime: 102 mins Length: 9223 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: 2016Country: United KingdomRelease type: InternetFormat: not specified - Colour - SoundRuntime: 102 mins Dialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: BFIPlayer
Title: THEATER OF BLOOD: To behead or not to beheadAuthor: SIMPSON, M.J. Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Writer Anthony Greville-Bell recalls working on the screen- play of Douglas Hickox's THEATRE OF BLOOD, gives his views on horror genre, explains how he became a scriptwriter and reflects on turning THEATRE OF BLOOD into a stage musical.
In: Empire n161 November 2002 Page: 158
Title: RwdAuthor: [AM] Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Film Review n624 November 2002 Pages: 91-92
Title: Theatre of BloodAuthor: WIGMORE, Gareth Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Literature/Film Quarterly v29 n2 2001 Pages: 147-164
Title: Backstage with the Bard: or Building a Better MousetrapAuthor: TIBBETTS, John C. Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Suggests that some Shakespearean films employ Shakespearean theatrical references and allusions as 'mousetrap' device to explore the actions & characters of the story: TO BE OR NOT TO BE (1942), Les ENFANTS DU PARADIS, A DOUBLE LIFE, WALLAH!
In: Literature/Film Quarterly v29 n2 2001 Pages: 135-146
Title: What [?] Price[?] Shakespeare [?]Author: PENDLETON, Thomas A. Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Investigates 3 films, TOWER OF LONDON (1939 & 1962 versions) and THEATER OF BLOOD (1973), which all feature Vincent Price the then King of Horror, and utilise Shakespearean materials
In: Shivers n46 October 1997 Pages: 16-20
Title: [Shivers - n46 October 1997: no known title]Author: PATTERSON, Cleaver Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
In: Flesh and Blood n5 September 1995 Page: 10
Title: videoAuthor: WALLER, Andy Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Note on the video release
In: Sight and Sound v5 n8 August 1995 Page: 59
Title: VideoAuthor: KERMODE, Mark Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Video release review.
In: Flesh and Blood n3 1994 Page: 40
Title: 1973Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Shakespeare on Film Newsletter v15 n2 April 1991 Page: 9
Title: [Shakespeare on Film Newsletter - v15 n2 April 1991: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Cinefantastique v3 n1 Autumn 1973 Page: 27
Title: [Cinefantastique - v3 n1 Autumn 1973: no known title]Language: English
In: Variety 25 Apr 1973 Page: 18
Title: [Variety - 25 Apr 1973: no known title]Language: English
In: The Hollywood Reporter v225 n50 18 Apr 1973 Page: 3
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v225 n50 18 Apr 1973: no known title]Language: English
In: Cinema TV Today n10034 2 Jun 1973 Page: 16
Title: [Cinema TV Today - n10034 2 Jun 1973: no known title]Language: English
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v40 n473 June 1973 Page: 132
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v40 n473 June 1973: no known title]Language: English
In: Filmfacts v16 n1 1973 Pages: 12-14
Title: [Filmfacts - v16 n1 1973: no known title]Language: English
In: The Hollywood Reporter v222 n34 18 Aug 1972 Page: 13
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v222 n34 18 Aug 1972: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Credits.
In: Cinema TV Today n9992 5 Aug 1972 Page: 9
Title: [Cinema TV Today - n9992 5 Aug 1972: no known title]Language: English
In: Cinema TV Today n9988 8 Jul 1972 Page: 17
Title: [Cinema TV Today - n9988 8 Jul 1972: no known title]Language: English
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(8)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: MP4 - LTO5Duration: 01:44:00 minutesMPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: N-593431-2
Status: Viewing - Digital file can be accessed on request
Digital materials(4)
Description: MOV - LTO5ProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-593429
Status: Removed - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Description: MOV - LTO5Duration: 01:44:00 minutesProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-593429-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Description: MP4 - LTO5MPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: N-593431
Status: Removed - Digital file can be accessed on request
Description: MP4 - LTO5Duration: 01:44:00 minutesMPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: N-593431-2
Status: Viewing - Digital file can be accessed on request
Description: DPX - LTO5BFI identifier: N-593435
Status: Removed - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Description: DPX - LTO5BFI identifier: N-593435-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Description: WAV - LTO5BFI identifier: N-593437
Status: Removed - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Description: WAV - LTO5BFI identifier: N-593437-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Video materials(1)
Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: N-231243
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape
Film materials(3)
Description: 35mm Cyan Separation MatrixBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 7500 FeetBFI identifier: C-1234664
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Magenta Separation MatrixBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 7500 FeetBFI identifier: C-1234665
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Yellow Separation MatrixBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 7500 FeetBFI identifier: C-1234663
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Dates: 1973 (Copyright), 08 July 1973 (Release)Countries: USA, United KingdomDirected by: Douglas Hickox
Synopsis: Black comedy: demented Shakespearean actor seeks revenge on eight members of the London Critics' Circle who he believes denied him a Best Actor of the Year award.
Genre: Horror
Releases
Date: 1973not specifiedRelease type: unknownFormat: not specified - Colour - DeLuxe - SoundRuntime: 102 mins Length: 9223 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: 2016Country: United KingdomRelease type: InternetFormat: not specified - Colour - SoundRuntime: 102 mins Dialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: BFIPlayer
Credits
(33)
©: Harbor Productions Inc., Filmed by: Cineman Films Ltd., Executive Producer: Gustave Berne, Executive Producer: Sam Jaffe, Produced by: John Kohn, Stanley Mann, Production Manager: David Anderson, Assistant to the Producers: Sara Romilly, Assistant Director: Dominic Fulford, Continuity: Angela Allen, Screenplay by: Anthony Greville-Bell, Based on an idea by: Stanley Mann, John Kohn, Director of Photography: Wolfgang Suschitzky, Camera Operator: Ronnie Taylor, Special Effects: John Stears, Editor: Malcolm Cooke, Assistant Editor: Chris Kelly, Production Designer: Michael Seymour, [Assistant Art Director]: Richard Rambaut, Set Decorator: Ann Mollo, Construction Manager: Peter Verrard, Costume Designer: Michael Baldwin, Wardrobe Assistant: Terry Smith, Make-up: George Blackler, Hairdresser: Pearl Tipaldi, Music Composed and Conducted by: Michael J. Lewis, Choreographer of Meths Drinkers: Tutte Lemkow, Sound Mixer: Simon Kaye, Dubbing Mixer: Douglas Turner, Sound Editor: Les Wiggins, Stunts Arranged by: Terry York
Cast
(30)
Vincent Price (Edward Kendal Sheridan Lionheart), Diana Rigg (Edwina Lionheart), Ian Hendry (Peregrine Devlin), Harry Andrews (Trevor Dickman), Coral Browne (Miss Chloe Moon), Robert Coote (Oliver Larding), Jack Hawkins (Solomon Psaltery), Michael Hordern (George William Maxwell), Arthur Lowe (Horace Sprout), Robert Morley (Meredith Merridrew), Dennis Price (Hector Snipe), Diana Dors (Maisie Psaltery), Madeline Smith (Rosemary), Joan Hickson (Mrs Sprout), Renee Asherson (Mrs Maxwell), Milo O'Shea (Inspector Boot), Eric Sykes (Sergeant Dogge), Bunny Reed, Peter Thornton (policeman), Charles Sinnickson (vicar), Brigid Erin Bates (Agnes, the maid), Tutte Lemkow, Stanley Bates, Eric Francis, Sally Gilmore, John Gilpin, Joyce Graeme, Jack Maguire, Declan Mulholland (meths drinker), Tony Calvin (police photographer)
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library
(19)
In: Fangoria n221 April 2003 Pages: 66-69Title: THEATER OF BLOOD: To behead or not to beheadAuthor: SIMPSON, M.J. Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Writer Anthony Greville-Bell recalls working on the screen- play of Douglas Hickox's THEATRE OF BLOOD, gives his views on horror genre, explains how he became a scriptwriter and reflects on turning THEATRE OF BLOOD into a stage musical.
In: Empire n161 November 2002 Page: 158
Title: RwdAuthor: [AM] Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Film Review n624 November 2002 Pages: 91-92
Title: Theatre of BloodAuthor: WIGMORE, Gareth Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Literature/Film Quarterly v29 n2 2001 Pages: 147-164
Title: Backstage with the Bard: or Building a Better MousetrapAuthor: TIBBETTS, John C. Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Suggests that some Shakespearean films employ Shakespearean theatrical references and allusions as 'mousetrap' device to explore the actions & characters of the story: TO BE OR NOT TO BE (1942), Les ENFANTS DU PARADIS, A DOUBLE LIFE, WALLAH!
In: Literature/Film Quarterly v29 n2 2001 Pages: 135-146
Title: What [?] Price[?] Shakespeare [?]Author: PENDLETON, Thomas A. Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Investigates 3 films, TOWER OF LONDON (1939 & 1962 versions) and THEATER OF BLOOD (1973), which all feature Vincent Price the then King of Horror, and utilise Shakespearean materials
In: Shivers n46 October 1997 Pages: 16-20
Title: [Shivers - n46 October 1997: no known title]Author: PATTERSON, Cleaver Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
In: Flesh and Blood n5 September 1995 Page: 10
Title: videoAuthor: WALLER, Andy Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Note on the video release
In: Sight and Sound v5 n8 August 1995 Page: 59
Title: VideoAuthor: KERMODE, Mark Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Video release review.
In: Flesh and Blood n3 1994 Page: 40
Title: 1973Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Shakespeare on Film Newsletter v15 n2 April 1991 Page: 9
Title: [Shakespeare on Film Newsletter - v15 n2 April 1991: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Cinefantastique v3 n1 Autumn 1973 Page: 27
Title: [Cinefantastique - v3 n1 Autumn 1973: no known title]Language: English
In: Variety 25 Apr 1973 Page: 18
Title: [Variety - 25 Apr 1973: no known title]Language: English
In: The Hollywood Reporter v225 n50 18 Apr 1973 Page: 3
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v225 n50 18 Apr 1973: no known title]Language: English
In: Cinema TV Today n10034 2 Jun 1973 Page: 16
Title: [Cinema TV Today - n10034 2 Jun 1973: no known title]Language: English
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v40 n473 June 1973 Page: 132
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v40 n473 June 1973: no known title]Language: English
In: Filmfacts v16 n1 1973 Pages: 12-14
Title: [Filmfacts - v16 n1 1973: no known title]Language: English
In: The Hollywood Reporter v222 n34 18 Aug 1972 Page: 13
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v222 n34 18 Aug 1972: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Credits.
In: Cinema TV Today n9992 5 Aug 1972 Page: 9
Title: [Cinema TV Today - n9992 5 Aug 1972: no known title]Language: English
In: Cinema TV Today n9988 8 Jul 1972 Page: 17
Title: [Cinema TV Today - n9988 8 Jul 1972: no known title]Language: English
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(8)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: MP4 - LTO5Duration: 01:44:00 minutesMPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: N-593431-2
Status: Viewing - Digital file can be accessed on request
Digital materials(4)
Description: MOV - LTO5ProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-593429
Status: Removed - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Description: MOV - LTO5Duration: 01:44:00 minutesProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-593429-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Description: MP4 - LTO5MPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: N-593431
Status: Removed - Digital file can be accessed on request
Description: MP4 - LTO5Duration: 01:44:00 minutesMPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: N-593431-2
Status: Viewing - Digital file can be accessed on request
Description: DPX - LTO5BFI identifier: N-593435
Status: Removed - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Description: DPX - LTO5BFI identifier: N-593435-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Description: WAV - LTO5BFI identifier: N-593437
Status: Removed - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Description: WAV - LTO5BFI identifier: N-593437-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Video materials(1)
Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: N-231243
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape
Film materials(3)
Description: 35mm Cyan Separation MatrixBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 7500 FeetBFI identifier: C-1234664
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Magenta Separation MatrixBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 7500 FeetBFI identifier: C-1234665
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Yellow Separation MatrixBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 7500 FeetBFI identifier: C-1234663
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film