In 1973 producer Stanley Mann came up with one of the single most ingenious ideas in the history of horror cinema: What if a completely over-the-top Shakespearean actor exacted revenge on his harshest critics utilizing methods of dispatch extracted from the works of Shakespeare himself?

Thus was born what, in this Horrorwatcher’s humble opinion, is Vincent Price’s best film, Theater of Blood. What we witness is an account of what happens when one Edward Lionheart, Shakesperean ham and overlooked thespian, decides to exact a horrific revenge upon each and every one of the critics who denied him the award for best dramatic actor, leading to his supposed suicide.

Diana Rigg (The Avengers, On Her Majesty's Secret Service) provides terrific supporting work as Lionheart’s devoted daughter and Ian Hendry scores big time as the head of the critic’s council who find themselves the target of an increasingly bizarre and gory series of murders evoking the works of The Bard.

But make no mistakes. Vincent Price is the complete show here. Unlike Doctor Phibes, which had a similar theme two years earlier (ie the good doctor dispatched his surgeons using the seven biblical plagues) but wasted Price’s ability to deliver a line, Theater of Blood makes the decision early on to fully utilize the theatrical melodrama which made Price such a matinee favorite.

How brilliant an idea is this? Have Price, possibly the most gloriously theatric of horror icons, play a role where he is called upon to give campy, overwrought recitations of Shakespeare throughout the running time of the movie? Combine this logical approach to Price’s raw talent with some genuinely impressive 1970’s gore and you have one hell of an entertaining horror comedy.

If this film has a flaw, it’s that the endangered critics and the London police (especially the police) are unbelievably idiotic when it comes to determining who is murdering these people and how, despite being given myriad clues.. However, because this film takes an approach that is equal parts horror and sly comedy, this is ultimately forgivable. This isn’t a story which derives its' impact from the plot. This time, it’s all about the ride.

Theater of Blood is a remarkable film. It’s a terrific bit of early Seventies blood bath cinema which surprisingly holds up very well today (that “R” rating it earned in 1973 would easily stand today).

That isn’t why you should check this movie out, though. The primary reason to give this little masterpiece a look is the off the wall, totally engaging and ultimately timeless performance by the late Vincent Price. Dr. Phibes and it’s ilk may have demonstrated his star power in the 70’s, but Theater of Blood is the film which masterfully demonstrates why Price so richly deserved such status.

Ten out of Ten Afro and Sunglasses wearing hairstylists named “Butch.”

Note: I bought this film on the MGM Midnight Movies DVD label. While the widescreen transfer is terrific, I personally believe this film deserves a more respectable release. This isn’t just cult cinema- it’s a true classic. Let's see a special edition already.