HORROR 101 with Dr. AC: THE WICKER MAN (1973) 50TH ANNIVERSARY ROUND TABLE!!!

THE WICKER MAN (1973) d. Robin Hardy (UK)

**CLICK LINK TO VIEW FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

Released the same year as The Exorcist, The Wicker Man also wrestles with religious rituals and fading faith. However, while the former was an instantaneous sensation that garnered Oscar nominations and huge box office receipts, its poor British relation suffered the indignities of studio-imposed edits and general public disinterest. However, as time has shown, this literal cult classic has endured for 50 years and is now regarded as one of the finest horror movies of the early 1970s.

As loosely adapted from David Pinner's 1967 novel Ritual by playwright Anthony Shaffer, Edward Woodward stars as the hard-as-nails Sgt. Howie who arrives on the remote island community of Summerisle searching for a missing child, Rowan Morrison. To his surprise, most of the inhabitants deny the existence of the child and, when pressed, express no remorse at her absence. As Lord Summerisle, Hammer horror stalwart Christopher Lee turns in one of his finest performances, and extraordinary support is provided by Britt Ekland, Ingrid Pitt and Diane Cilento, as well as the entire ensemble.

Director Robin Hardy skillfully crafts an atmosphere-drenched mystery, with Paul Giovanni’s quirky folk songs adding an unexpected high-spirited frolic to the dread proceedings.

Like the celebrated apples of Summerisle, The Wicker Man is a film that succeeds when it shouldn’t, and endures as a truly original, mesmerizing, and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Join AC and his amazing worldwide panel of guests (Jimmy Seiersen, Alan Tromp, Vanessa Morgan, Katie McLean Hainsworth, Christopher Hainsworth) as we honor The Olde Ways while heading into The New Yeare. See you in 2024!