The Michael Reeves Tribute Thread

[Prince_Vajda]

Following platostotal's suggestion, I start a thread were we can discuss one of the greatest directors ever, sadly missed by many Horror movie connoisseurs - Michael Reeves.

He had a short life (1943 - 1969) and he only shot three movies - but what movies indeed! Revenge of the Blood Beast (aka The She-Beast (1966), The Sorcerers (1967), and, of course, his masterpiece called The Witchfinder General aka The Conqueror Worm (1968) - three films that have a seat of honour in my rather big collection!

I'd like you to happily use this thread for all kinds of discussions; here are some suggestions:
- How did you discover him and his work?
- Which film of his is your favourite?
- Which are your favourite scenes in his movies?

Or maybe you like it a bit more general: why do you like his movies at all?

Another idea that I like very much (by courtesy of platostotal): What if Michael Reeves had not died in '69 but instead lived on, shooting movies to this day?
- What would they look like?
- Which genres would he have chosen?

You can also post artwork, show memorabilia, or create fake artworks of fake films of his - everything redounding to Michael's honour is welcome!

I hereby declare this bazaar opened - don't forget to vote for your favourite film!

Greetings!

[platostotal]

As a lad my family were living in the U.S. in the mid 70s so I had access to the local channels horror double bills on the weekends. And one night a bizarre film called 'Conquerer Worm' came on, let me tell you this 14 year old horror junkie was glued to his small B/W telly. 'Witchfinder General' as it's properly known was a breath of fresh air compared to the usual monster mayhem. Felt quite sad when I read in 'Famous Monsters of Filmland' that he died young after a few movies. We lost someone very special with his passing. I have no doubt he would have ranked with the very best. Just soak up the atmos in 'Witchfinder General' It's more effective than most period shot films to this day. The Blu is a must (by the way, if you don't like it, may you be banished to the Cell Block H threads). Just think of him, Cushing and Lee ripping through a Hammer Gothic masterpiece. God, I would love to see that.


P.S. if you don't know 'Witchfinder' I posted some caps on 'bdc's 'Post your favorite film stills thread' so you can check it out. A great thread anyway so pop down see some great piccys.

[VicDakin]

Vincent Price and The Horror of The English Blood Beast
Did anyone catch This cool radio play about the making of 'Witchfinder General'

By Matthew Broughton. In 1967, Vincent Price came to the UK to make the horror movie Witchfinder General. It was the best performance of his career, and the worst few months of his life. This play takes a light-hearted look behind the scenes of the making of this classic British film.

Vincent Price ...... Nickolas Grace
Tony Tenser ...... Kenneth Cranham
Michael Reeves ...... Blake Ritson
Philip Waddilove ...... Richard Nichols
Hilary Dwyer ...... Phoebe Waller Bridge
Ian Ogilvy ...... Gareth Pierce

[platostotal]

Originally Posted by VicDakin

Vincent Price and The Horror of The English Blood Beast
Did anyone catch This cool radio play about the making of 'Witchfinder General'

By Matthew Broughton. In 1967, Vincent Price came to the UK to make the horror movie Witchfinder General. It was the best performance of his career, and the worst few months of his life. This play takes a light-hearted look behind the scenes of the making of this classic British film.

Vincent Price ...... Nickolas Grace
Tony Tenser ...... Kenneth Cranham
Michael Reeves ...... Blake Ritson
Philip Waddilove ...... Richard Nichols
Hilary Dwyer ...... Phoebe Waller Bridge
Ian Ogilvy ...... Gareth Pierce

Sounds like a radio4 play I meant to record but forgot, hope it shows up on 4xtra. think it was early 80s.

[platostotal]

Lets also remember how cool Reeves was, this well known confrontation always brings a smile. On set Price grew tired of Reeves style of instruction "Dear boy I have made over one hundred films, what have you made?" without missing a beat Reeves responded "Three good ones". rumor has it Price got a kick out of it and thought more of Reeves afterward. As a compulsive giggler if I had been there I would have been kicked off set in fits of laughter. That's a cool guy.

[Demdike@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by VicDakin

Vincent Price and The Horror of The English Blood Beast
Did anyone catch This cool radio play about the making of 'Witchfinder General'

By Matthew Broughton. In 1967, Vincent Price came to the UK to make the horror movie Witchfinder General. It was the best performance of his career, and the worst few months of his life. This play takes a light-hearted look behind the scenes of the making of this classic British film.

Vincent Price ...... Nickolas Grace
Tony Tenser ...... Kenneth Cranham
Michael Reeves ...... Blake Ritson
Philip Waddilove ...... Richard Nichols
Hilary Dwyer ...... Phoebe Waller Bridge
Ian Ogilvy ...... Gareth Pierce

Yes it was on one Saturday afternoon a few months ago.
Price did not like the young director at all but he drew probably the actors best performance from him.

[platostotal]

Some net finds, the man and his cat and 2 posters

[platostotal]

Originally Posted by Demdike

Yes it was on one Saturday afternoon a few months ago.
Price did not like the young director at all but he drew probably the actors best performance from him.

Damn double Damn, a serious miss on my part then. They better repeat it Damn them.

[Demdike@Cult Labs]

Promo work for Reeves' The She Beast. Personally i like the latest dvd painting best.

[Demdike@Cult Labs]

Sorry to say i don't like The Sorcerers.