The Wicker Man (Original title)
Dates: 1973 (Copyright), 09 October 1972 (Production), 18 November 1973 (Release)Country: United KingdomDirector: Robin Hardy
Synopsis: Horror story: Investigating the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl, a police sergeant goes to a Scottish island where he falls victim to ancient heathen rituals. Original story was called "The Ritual", by David Pinner, pub. Hutchinson 1957; Pinner asked for his name to be deleted from the film's credits.
Genres: Horror, Police drama
Subject: Paganism
Releases
Date: 1973Country: United KingdomRelease type: unknownFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - Eastmancolor - SoundRuntime: 86 mins Length: 7742 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: February 2019Country: United KingdomRelease type: InternetFormat: not specified - Colour - SoundRuntime: 88 mins Dialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: BFIPlayer
Title: Calculated risks: Film Finances and British independents in the 1970sAuthor: SMITH, Justin Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Article drawing on material from the archives of Film Finances Ltd., including reports filed by the company's assessor John Croydon, to examine the production histories of three British films: 'The Wicker Man' (1973), 'Don't Look Now' (1973) and 'Lisztomania' (1975). Part of a special issue based on the archives of Film Finances Ltd., a completion guarantee company formed in London in 1950.
In: Film Review n675 October 2006 Page: 123
Title: The Wicker ManAuthor: BAUGHAN, Nikki Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Film Review n675 October 2006 Page: 68
Title: Burning issueAuthor: JONES, Alan Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Director Neil LaBute explains his reasons for remaking the 1973 The WICKER MAN and working with actor Nicolas Cage.
In: Empire n209 November 2006 Page: 30
Title: In cinemas: The Wicker ManAuthor: NEWMAN, Kim Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Journal of British Cinema and Television v2 n2 2005 Pages: 377-379
Title: CD reviewsAuthor: HUCKVALE, David Article type: Soundtrack ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review of 'Hammer - The Studios That Dripped Blood', The IPCRESS FILE, PRIMAL, THUNDERBIRDS and The WICKER MAN.
In: Stage Screen and Radio May 2005 Pages: 12-13, 26
Title: The Wicker Man - mystery solvedAuthor: TURNER, Janice Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: The mystery surround the destruction of the negative.
In: Music from the Movies n35/36 2002 Pages: 69-70
Title: Film music review: archivalAuthor: WOOLSTON, Steve Article type: Soundtrack ReviewLanguage: English
In: American Cinematographer v83 n2 February 2002 Page: 16,18
Title: DVD playbackAuthor: PIZZELLO, Chris Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v12 n7 July 2002 Page: 62
Title: Home movies: reviewsAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Journal of Popular British Cinema n5 2002 Pages: 166-170
Title: ReviewsAuthor: PETLEY, Julian Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Book review of "The Wicker Man: the Morbid Ingenuities" by Allan Brown, pub. Sidgwick and Jackson, 2000.
In: Classic Television n5 Jun/Jul 1998 Pages: 10-25
Title: British Film: The Classic Television top 100Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A brief history of British film and Classic Television read- ers' 100 British films. Films listed with short synopses.
In: Empire n109 July 1998 Page: 132
Title: Music sountracks etc.Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A review of the soundtrack for The WICKER MAN (1973).
In: Film Review nSpecial #16 1996 Pages: 19-24
Title: [Film Review - nSpecial #16 1996: no known title]Author: APPLEBAUM, Stephen Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A behind the scenes look at the film.
In: Sight and Sound v5 n8 August 1995 Pages: 28-29
Title: The Wicker Man and othersAuthor: SHAFFER, Anthony Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Anthony Shaffer writes on his experience of scriptwriting, particularly book adaptations. Refers to work with Hitchcock on FRENZY, also to SLEUTH (1972), DEATH ON THE NILE((1978), EVIL UNDER THE SUN (1981), The WICKER MAN (1973), ABSOLUTION
In: Flesh and Blood n3 1994 Page: 43
Title: 1973Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v4 n3 March 1994 Page: 63
Title: [Sight and Sound - v4 n3 March 1994: no known title]Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Video note
In: The Listener v119 n3061 5 May 1988 Page: 34
Title: [The Listener - v119 n3061 5 May 1988: no known title]Language: English
In: Films and Filming n409 October 1988 Page: 47
Title: [Films and Filming - n409 October 1988: no known title]Language: English
Description: Details of location.
In: Radio Times v257 n3365 28 May 1988 Page: 96
Title: [Radio Times - v257 n3365 28 May 1988: no known title]Article type: LetterLanguage: English
Description: Letter correcting details in article in Radio Times over running time of film amd missing scenes.
In: Radio Times v257 n3362 7 May 1988 Page: 16
Title: In the pictureAuthor: WINNERT, Derek Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
In: Time Out n862 25 Feb 1987 Page: 32
Title: [Time Out - n862 25 Feb 1987: no known title]Language: English
Description: The director talks about why he did not make another film for over ten years, after the treatment of the WICKER MAN by the American distributors.
In: The Hollywood Reporter v261 n9 3 Apr 1980 Page: 1, 4
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v261 n9 3 Apr 1980: no known title]Language: English
Description: Report on its release in the US.
In: The Hollywood Reporter v255 n24 20 Feb 1979 Page: 3, 8
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v255 n24 20 Feb 1979: no known title]Language: English
In: The Hollywood Reporter v255 n22 15 Feb 1979 Page: 3, 27
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v255 n22 15 Feb 1979: no known title]Language: English
Description: Note on the work of two young distributors to get the picture released in the States.
In: Cinefantastique v6/7 n4/1 Spring 1978 Page: 60
Title: [Cinefantastique - v6/7 n4/1 Spring 1978: no known title]Article type: LetterLanguage: English
Description: Letter pointing out the plot similarity to that of a TV film Black Noon, 1971.
In: Film Comment v14 n2 Mar/Apr 1978 Page: 78
Title: [Film Comment - v14 n2 Mar/Apr 1978: no known title]Language: English
Description: Note on its release in America.
In: Cinefantastique v6 n3 Winter 1977 Pages: Winter 4-18, 32-46
Title: [Cinefantastique - v6 n3 Winter 1977: no known title]Language: English
Description: Detailed examination of the genesis, production and distribution.
In: Film Comment v13 n6 Nov/Dec 1977 Pages: 29-31
Title: [Film Comment - v13 n6 Nov/Dec 1977: no known title]Language: English
In: Cinefantastique v5 n2 Autumn 1976 Page: 35
Title: [Cinefantastique - v5 n2 Autumn 1976: no known title]Language: English
In: Variety 15 May 1974 Page: 24
Title: [Variety - 15 May 1974: no known title]Language: English
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v41 n480 January 1974 Page: 16
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v41 n480 January 1974: no known title]Language: English
In: The Hollywood Reporter v231 n18 9 May 1974 Page: 3
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v231 n18 9 May 1974: no known title]Language: English
In: Films and Filming v20 n7 April 1974 Page: 47
Title: [Films and Filming - v20 n7 April 1974: no known title]Language: English
In: Cinema TV Today n10062 15 Dec 1973 Page: 20
Title: [Cinema TV Today - n10062 15 Dec 1973: no known title]Language: English
In: Cinema TV Today n10003 21 Oct 1972 Page: 11
Title: [Cinema TV Today - n10003 21 Oct 1972: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Credits.
Author: BAYMAN, Louis Pages: xiii, 249 pages
Title: Wicker Man: the official story of the film
Author: Walsh, John Pages: 192 pages
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(5)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 7930 FeetBFI identifier: C-510159
Status: Viewing - Viewing experience and projection may be compromised by condition of film print (servicing required)
Video materials(1)
Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: N-376211
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape
Film materials(4)
Description: PositiveBFI identifier: C-193949
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 7910 FeetBFI identifier: C-883968
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 6552 FeetBFI identifier: C-193950
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status (servicing required)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 7930 FeetBFI identifier: C-510159
Status: Viewing - Viewing experience and projection may be compromised by condition of film print (servicing required)
Dates: 1973 (Copyright), 09 October 1972 (Production), 18 November 1973 (Release)Country: United KingdomDirector: Robin Hardy
Synopsis: Horror story: Investigating the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl, a police sergeant goes to a Scottish island where he falls victim to ancient heathen rituals. Original story was called "The Ritual", by David Pinner, pub. Hutchinson 1957; Pinner asked for his name to be deleted from the film's credits.
Genres: Horror, Police drama
Subject: Paganism
Releases
Date: 1973Country: United KingdomRelease type: unknownFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - Eastmancolor - SoundRuntime: 86 mins Length: 7742 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: February 2019Country: United KingdomRelease type: InternetFormat: not specified - Colour - SoundRuntime: 88 mins Dialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: BFIPlayer
Credits
(37)
©: British Lion Film Corporation, Presents: British Lion Film Corporation, Producer: Peter Snell, Unit Manager: Mike Gowans, Production Manager: Ted Morley, [Production Accountant]: Ernest Shepherd, Location Manager: Jilda Smith, Production Secretary: Beryl Harvey, Assistant Director: Jake Wright, [Assistant Director (2nd)]: Brian Cook, Continuity: Sue Merry, Casting Director: Maggie Cartier, Screenplay by: Anthony Shaffer, [Based on the novel 'Ritual' by]: David Pinner, Director of Photography: Harry Waxman, 2nd Unit Photography: Peter Allwork, Camera Operator: Jimmy Devis, Focus: Mike Drew, Stills.: John Brown, Film Editor: Eric Boyd-Perkins, Assistant Editor: Denis Whitehouse, Art Director: Seamus Flannery, Costume Design: Sue Yelland, Wardrobe Supervisor: Masada Wilmot, Make-up: Billy Partleton, Hairdresser: Jan Dorman, Music Composed by: Paul Giovanni, Music Performed by: Magnet, "Corn Rigs" sung by: Paul Giovanni, Associate Musical Director: Gary Carpenter, Choreographer: Stewart Hopps, Sound: Robin Gregory, Bob Jones, Sound Editor: Vernon Messenger, Publicity: Frank Law, Studio: Shepperton Studios
Cast
(44)
Edward Woodward (Sergeant Neil Howie), Britt Ekland (Willow MacGregor), Diane Cilento (Miss Rose), Ingrid Pitt (librarian), Christopher Lee (Lord Summerisle), Roy Boyd (Broome), Lesley Mackie (Daisy), Walter Carr (school master), Irene Sunters (Mrs May Morrison), Lindsay Kemp (Alder MacGregor), Ian Campbell (Oak), Kevin Collins (old fisherman), Aubrey Morris (old gardener/gravedigger), Russell Waters (harbour master), Donald Eccles (T.H. Lennox), Geraldine Cowper (Rowan Morrison), Leslie Blackater (hairdresser), Peter Brewis (musician), Barbara Ann Brown (woman with baby), Juliette Cadzow (villager on Summerisle), Ross Campbell (communicant), Penny Cluer (Gillie), Michael Cole, Ian Cutler (musician), Myra Forsyth (Mrs Grimmond), John Hallam (Police Constable Hugh McTaggart), Alison Hughes (fiancée to Howie), Charles Kearney (butcher), Fiona Kennedy (Holly), John Macgregor (baker), Jimmy Mackenzie (briar), Jennifer Martin (Myrtle Morrison), Bernard Murray (musician), Helen Norman (villager on Summerisle), Lorraine Peters (girl on grave), Tony Roper (postman), John Sharp (Dr Ewan), Elizabeth Sinclair (villager on Summerisle), Andrew Tompkins (musician), Ian Wilson (communicant), Richard Wren (Ash Buchanan), John Young (fishmonger), Annie Ross ([dubbed Britt Ekland]), Robin Hardy ([minister])
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library
(35)
In: Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television v34 n1 March 2014 Pages: 85-102Title: Calculated risks: Film Finances and British independents in the 1970sAuthor: SMITH, Justin Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Article drawing on material from the archives of Film Finances Ltd., including reports filed by the company's assessor John Croydon, to examine the production histories of three British films: 'The Wicker Man' (1973), 'Don't Look Now' (1973) and 'Lisztomania' (1975). Part of a special issue based on the archives of Film Finances Ltd., a completion guarantee company formed in London in 1950.
In: Film Review n675 October 2006 Page: 123
Title: The Wicker ManAuthor: BAUGHAN, Nikki Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Film Review n675 October 2006 Page: 68
Title: Burning issueAuthor: JONES, Alan Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Director Neil LaBute explains his reasons for remaking the 1973 The WICKER MAN and working with actor Nicolas Cage.
In: Empire n209 November 2006 Page: 30
Title: In cinemas: The Wicker ManAuthor: NEWMAN, Kim Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Journal of British Cinema and Television v2 n2 2005 Pages: 377-379
Title: CD reviewsAuthor: HUCKVALE, David Article type: Soundtrack ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review of 'Hammer - The Studios That Dripped Blood', The IPCRESS FILE, PRIMAL, THUNDERBIRDS and The WICKER MAN.
In: Stage Screen and Radio May 2005 Pages: 12-13, 26
Title: The Wicker Man - mystery solvedAuthor: TURNER, Janice Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: The mystery surround the destruction of the negative.
In: Music from the Movies n35/36 2002 Pages: 69-70
Title: Film music review: archivalAuthor: WOOLSTON, Steve Article type: Soundtrack ReviewLanguage: English
In: American Cinematographer v83 n2 February 2002 Page: 16,18
Title: DVD playbackAuthor: PIZZELLO, Chris Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v12 n7 July 2002 Page: 62
Title: Home movies: reviewsAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Journal of Popular British Cinema n5 2002 Pages: 166-170
Title: ReviewsAuthor: PETLEY, Julian Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Book review of "The Wicker Man: the Morbid Ingenuities" by Allan Brown, pub. Sidgwick and Jackson, 2000.
In: Classic Television n5 Jun/Jul 1998 Pages: 10-25
Title: British Film: The Classic Television top 100Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A brief history of British film and Classic Television read- ers' 100 British films. Films listed with short synopses.
In: Empire n109 July 1998 Page: 132
Title: Music sountracks etc.Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A review of the soundtrack for The WICKER MAN (1973).
In: Film Review nSpecial #16 1996 Pages: 19-24
Title: [Film Review - nSpecial #16 1996: no known title]Author: APPLEBAUM, Stephen Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A behind the scenes look at the film.
In: Sight and Sound v5 n8 August 1995 Pages: 28-29
Title: The Wicker Man and othersAuthor: SHAFFER, Anthony Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Anthony Shaffer writes on his experience of scriptwriting, particularly book adaptations. Refers to work with Hitchcock on FRENZY, also to SLEUTH (1972), DEATH ON THE NILE((1978), EVIL UNDER THE SUN (1981), The WICKER MAN (1973), ABSOLUTION
In: Flesh and Blood n3 1994 Page: 43
Title: 1973Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v4 n3 March 1994 Page: 63
Title: [Sight and Sound - v4 n3 March 1994: no known title]Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Video note
In: The Listener v119 n3061 5 May 1988 Page: 34
Title: [The Listener - v119 n3061 5 May 1988: no known title]Language: English
In: Films and Filming n409 October 1988 Page: 47
Title: [Films and Filming - n409 October 1988: no known title]Language: English
Description: Details of location.
In: Radio Times v257 n3365 28 May 1988 Page: 96
Title: [Radio Times - v257 n3365 28 May 1988: no known title]Article type: LetterLanguage: English
Description: Letter correcting details in article in Radio Times over running time of film amd missing scenes.
In: Radio Times v257 n3362 7 May 1988 Page: 16
Title: In the pictureAuthor: WINNERT, Derek Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
In: Time Out n862 25 Feb 1987 Page: 32
Title: [Time Out - n862 25 Feb 1987: no known title]Language: English
Description: The director talks about why he did not make another film for over ten years, after the treatment of the WICKER MAN by the American distributors.
In: The Hollywood Reporter v261 n9 3 Apr 1980 Page: 1, 4
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v261 n9 3 Apr 1980: no known title]Language: English
Description: Report on its release in the US.
In: The Hollywood Reporter v255 n24 20 Feb 1979 Page: 3, 8
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v255 n24 20 Feb 1979: no known title]Language: English
In: The Hollywood Reporter v255 n22 15 Feb 1979 Page: 3, 27
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v255 n22 15 Feb 1979: no known title]Language: English
Description: Note on the work of two young distributors to get the picture released in the States.
In: Cinefantastique v6/7 n4/1 Spring 1978 Page: 60
Title: [Cinefantastique - v6/7 n4/1 Spring 1978: no known title]Article type: LetterLanguage: English
Description: Letter pointing out the plot similarity to that of a TV film Black Noon, 1971.
In: Film Comment v14 n2 Mar/Apr 1978 Page: 78
Title: [Film Comment - v14 n2 Mar/Apr 1978: no known title]Language: English
Description: Note on its release in America.
In: Cinefantastique v6 n3 Winter 1977 Pages: Winter 4-18, 32-46
Title: [Cinefantastique - v6 n3 Winter 1977: no known title]Language: English
Description: Detailed examination of the genesis, production and distribution.
In: Film Comment v13 n6 Nov/Dec 1977 Pages: 29-31
Title: [Film Comment - v13 n6 Nov/Dec 1977: no known title]Language: English
In: Cinefantastique v5 n2 Autumn 1976 Page: 35
Title: [Cinefantastique - v5 n2 Autumn 1976: no known title]Language: English
In: Variety 15 May 1974 Page: 24
Title: [Variety - 15 May 1974: no known title]Language: English
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v41 n480 January 1974 Page: 16
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v41 n480 January 1974: no known title]Language: English
In: The Hollywood Reporter v231 n18 9 May 1974 Page: 3
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v231 n18 9 May 1974: no known title]Language: English
In: Films and Filming v20 n7 April 1974 Page: 47
Title: [Films and Filming - v20 n7 April 1974: no known title]Language: English
In: Cinema TV Today n10062 15 Dec 1973 Page: 20
Title: [Cinema TV Today - n10062 15 Dec 1973: no known title]Language: English
In: Cinema TV Today n10003 21 Oct 1972 Page: 11
Title: [Cinema TV Today - n10003 21 Oct 1972: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Credits.
Books held in BFI Reuben Library
(2)
Title: Folk horror on film: return of the British repressedAuthor: BAYMAN, Louis Pages: xiii, 249 pages
Title: Wicker Man: the official story of the film
Author: Walsh, John Pages: 192 pages
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(5)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 7930 FeetBFI identifier: C-510159
Status: Viewing - Viewing experience and projection may be compromised by condition of film print (servicing required)
Video materials(1)
Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: N-376211
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape
Film materials(4)
Description: PositiveBFI identifier: C-193949
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 7910 FeetBFI identifier: C-883968
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 6552 FeetBFI identifier: C-193950
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status (servicing required)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 7930 FeetBFI identifier: C-510159
Status: Viewing - Viewing experience and projection may be compromised by condition of film print (servicing required)