Theatre of Blood – Review

Classic Shakespearean plays set the stage early, as actors show their talents in various stories. Most all scenes wind up violent, as typical Shakespeare dramas included plenty of death. Maybe this is setting the scene for the entire film…?

Critic George Maxwell is unhappy that the paper didn’t publish the best part of his review. He answers the ringing phone and responds to a request to remove squatters in the tenement that he plans to tear down. They need someone with real authority. His wife warns him not to go, having a bad dream the night before. George feels like a big man, so he heads out anyway.

Upon reaching the worn-down housing building, George meets some patrolmen who lead him inside on the rainy day. Vagrants are indeed present, which the man immediately scolds and rousts to get out of this private property. But… the vagrants appear to pay him no heed despite his words. The police watch.

This is a strange opening, which is about to get murderous. The horde of unhoused people eventually stand to face this man, brandishing crude blades and weapons. The police constables again just watch. George tries to retreat away, but there are simply too many people, which corral him into a corner. Uh oh.

As things get bloody, one of the constables reveals himself as someone else entirely. Who is this man? Well, clearly it is Edward Lionheart (Price), a Shakespearean actor who supposedly committed suicide years before. Lionheart is sick of critics, since all he did was emphatically recite historic words in famous plays on the stage. How could ANYONE be critical of this art?! But… George’s end is just the film’s opening… will any critic be safe??? It seems not.

Theatre of Blood is a tad creepy at times, but overall, it is more satirical and works as a dark comedy. What actors don’t want to murder the ones that are writing trite crap criticizing their performances? Vincent Price is great as always, and this role was perfect for him to be both dark and ominous while having a ton of fun with it. Apparently, it was one of his favorite films to work on, and I can see why. If you can handle 70s pacing and style, this film will be a breeze.