31 More Days of Horror: Theater of Blood (1973)

Following a review of Zombieland with a movie like this--I'll probably lose half my audience.  I have sung the praises of Vincent Price for years.  I continue to do so with this one.

Denied recognition for his work, thespian Edward Lionheart (Vincent Price) is driven mad with rage and commits suicide. Years later, the harshest critics of his work are being killed. The victims are found dead in scenes derived from Shakespeare’s plays. His daughter, Edwina (Diana Rigg) is the prime suspect, but what if it’s not her?

Theater of Blood is a fine example of Price's flourish.  The actor stand alone with untold expression.  Though his films have become the standard for camp, look closer and you'll see brilliance. As Lionheart executes each critic with mounting gore and debauchery, Price shines.   Spouting the words of the Bard, Price is equal parts ham and villain.

The film is deliciously morbid with inspired, splattery deaths.  Headless corpses, fried by curlers, baked in a pie--who knew Shakespeare could be so cruel?! 

Theater of Blood asks its audience to have a rudimentary knowledge of Shakespeare in order to relish the impending deaths of the critics.  Alas, I do not.  But I think any horror fan with an appreciation of the masters can easily relish the opening sequence here for the chill it delivers.