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Karloff's avatar

I saw this in the theatre with my best friend the day it opened in Tulsa, OK. It is one of my all time favorites. As perfect a movie as I have ever seen. I watch Svengoolie, & several episodes back, Sven interviewed Vincent Price's daughter. She said that Theatre of Blood was her Dad's favorite film. This was a FANTASTIC review! Keep 'em coming.

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Ray Banks's avatar

You lucky bugger. I'd kill to see this on the big screen. And I have a soft spot for Victoria Price, who has done her absolute utmost to ensure that her Pa is given his due - there's an interview on the Arrow Blu where she talks about how uncomfortable the shoot was for her, mostly because Vincent was off canoodling with Coral Browne.

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Reginald Harris's avatar

I LOVE this movie. - it's perfect. Thanks for covering it.

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Ray Banks's avatar

(does the RSC bow - head held high, then entire upper body flops)

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Bartholomee's avatar

I was late to this one, seeing it during the summer classics series at our big old theater in town last year (in a double with WAX) and just a few months after seeing the PHIBESes for the first time. My absolute favorite of those mentioned and agree it’s a perfect film. MASQUE remains my favorite Price just for the sheer sexy evil he brings to his performance. But I will likely watch ToB many more times than any of them. Thank you for this excellent essay.

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Ray Banks's avatar

I struggle a bit with the Phibes movies, mostly because I came to them after this one, so they look a bit like cartoon versions. Masque is also my favourite of the Corman Poes - and my second-favourite Price - just because it's such an audacious adaptation (those colours! that performance!). I must give it another watch ...

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Bartholomee's avatar

Can definitely see that. I’m glad I discovered in that order. The Phibes are a bit too silly for me. ToB finds that perfect balance. I was talking to my wife about Masque this weekend and it’ll get fired up here soon.

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Debbi Mack's avatar

I always loved Diana Rigg in this!

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Ray Banks's avatar

And she's clearly having a whale of a time! She and the meths drinkers are doing sterling work in the background of every shot they're in. I wish more of our Dames had disreputable items on their CVs.

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Debbi Mack's avatar

Diana was a Dame among Dames!

She was Mrs. Peel and then some. :)

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