The Wicker Man

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The Wicker Man
Moviedrome Introduction




Film Details

Release Date: 1973
Format Viewed:  Directors Cut DVD, Ebay for £3.49

Director: Robin Hardy

Stars:
Edward Woodward as Sergeant Howie
Christopher Lee as Lord Summerisle
Britt Ekland as Willow MacGregor

Plot Summary: 
Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward), a devout Christian police officer, investigates the disappearance of a girl on the remote Scottish island of Summerisle. He encounters a pagan community led by Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee) and becomes disturbed by their ancient rituals and beliefs. As his investigation unfolds, Howie's clash with the islanders' practices intensifies. He suspects a sinister purpose behind the girl's disappearance and is led to a shocking and dramatic climax involving a sacrificial ceremony featuring the Wicker Man. The film delves into themes of religious conflict and the clash between traditional and modern beliefs, leaving an unsettling and lasting impact.

Personal History

This is a film that I have seen several times in my youth and always loved... without really thinking too hard about why. Probably the ending. Even as an amateur viewer, I knew films weren't meant to end like this.

It cannot be a co-incidence that my all time favourite film is Get Carter.The Caine one, not Stallone.

Other things I remember? Britt Ekland and a pub. A towering performance from Christopher Lee.

I'm really looking forward to revisting this.

Current Review

In preparation, I read the book the film was based on, Ritual by David Pinner. Mainly, so you don't have to.

The directors cut adds an extra 15 minutes. Easy to spot the new bits, as the film quality is poorer. Looks like an extended introduction, where we see Sergeant Howie as a preacher.  As a Baggies fan, I appreciated the rendition of Psalm 23, the Lords My Shepherd. Wolves fans are not ignored either.  Check this kid in the rather sinister May Pole Dance.

Maybe Dundee

The film contains the "best pub going quiet on a strangers entry" in cinematic history. Rather reminded me of the time I went to a micro pub in Burton-on-Trent. The Green Man looked a decent boozer, and if I ever find myself in Creetown, I can visit the Ellengowan Hotel where it was filmed.

Although its not a comedy, plenty of laughs can be had at Edward Woodwards bemused looks, as he spots the locals getting up to all sorts of antics. The cure for a sore throat will stay in the memory for a long time.

The soundtrack is excellent. Well worthy of a download. The Landlords Daughter song, definitely of its era, is enhanced in the Directors Cut by the landlord playing the spoons on the whisky optics. 

Quirky Facts

  • Filmed on the mainland in Newton Stewart, rather than on a remote island.  And in November, rather than in Spring
  • Britt Ekland had a "bum double", with a semi nudity clause that allowed her to only be topless.  Weird Swedes.  Rod Stewart, her beau at the time, tried for buy up all the negatives.  Some of which were used as filler in the M4 Motorway
  • Originally released as a double bill with "Don't Look Now"

Quotes

  • Lord Summerisle: "Animals are fine, but their acceptability is limited. A small child is even better, but not nearly as effective as the right kind of adult."
  • Sergeant Howie: "Jesus Christ!"

Sustenance

ChatGPT coming back, as expected, with Haggis Neeps and Tatties, with Whisky.

Whilst buying the swede, I looked for Scottish Based beers - who knew that McEwans Champion is brewed in Wolverhampton. I went for this - an Edinburgh version of a Helles.

Acceptable Lager


Mrs M not too impressed with the prospect of Haggis and put her foot down on the matter of whisky sauce. Instead an onion gravy was fashioned. The BBC Good Food owe me £32 for a new pan. It doesnt take 45 minutes to reduce the onions. The rest of the meal was a challenge of timings and another lesson learned. Swedes won't go through a ricer. No matter how strong you are.


The substitute sauce did leave room for an aperitif. Islay standing in for Summer Isle.

Film Night Tipple

Future Inspiration 

  • Based on the book - Ritual by David Pinner.
    • Although this was set in Cornwall
    • A wapping 2.8 on Goodreads
    • It's not great
  • Also The Golden Bough by James George Frazer
    • Factual book on folklore from 1890, over 13 volumes
    • Worcester library had a copy and I may take a butchers.
  • Part of Three Films described as the birth of Folk Horror in the book - Folk Horror : Hours Dreadful and Things Strange (Worcester Library)
    • The Witchfinder General
    • Blood on Satan's Claw
  • Guardian claim its close in themes to Peter Watkins Punishment Park  

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