Cry of the Banshee

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Cry of the Banshee is a 1970 horror film directed by Gordon Hessler and starring Vincent Price and Elisabeth Bergner. Released by American International Pictures, the movie is not connected to Edgar Allan Poe, despite a tagline and a few lines from Poe’s The Bells at the start. The opening title sequence was animated by Terry Gilliam.

Set in Elizabethan England, the story follows Lord Edward Whitman, a ruthless magistrate who hunts supposed witches with his men. When a coven led by the witch Oona seeks revenge on Whitman’s family, she summons a demonic spirit that possesses a loyal servant, Roderick. As Whitman’s brutal witch-hunts intensify, Roderick’s possession helps drive a chain of killings and terror, culminating in a battle between the witchcraft world and Whitman’s harsh rule.

Production notes: Hessler disliked Tim Kelly’s original script and had Chris Wicking rewrite it. The film had an estimated budget of $450,000–$500,000 and earned about $1.3 million in U.S./Canada rentals. Filming began in November 1969 at Grim’s Dyke in London. Elisabeth Bergner, returning to English-language film after about 30 years, plays Oona, with Stephen Rea appearing in his film debut as a villager. The score was originally composed by Wilfred Josephs, but American International Pictures replaced it with Les Baxter; Josephs’ music was restored in later uncut releases. Terry Gilliam’s animation credits were removed by AIP for the theatrical print.

The U.S. theatrical version was cut to remove nudity and some violence, and the opening credits were changed, a cut that also affected the UK release. The film has two main cuts: the 87-minute theatrical version and a 91-minute director’s cut. The production remains a point of contention for Hessler, who later felt the project was not as strong as his other AIP films.

Reception: critics were mixed. The Monthly Film Bulletin found the movie disappointing despite an interesting premise, while Kine Weekly praised the eerie atmosphere and the cast, especially Price and Bergner. Radio Times gave it 2/5 stars, and Leslie Halliwell called it a modest horror film that didn’t fully realize its potential. The film has since seen various home-video releases, with the uncut version and original Wilfred Josephs score restored on newer editions. The 2016 Blu-ray from Shout! Studios (Vincent Price Collection III) includes both the original 87-minute theatrical cut and the 91-minute director’s cut.