Watch Cry of the Banshee

In 1970, "Cry of the Banshee," directed by Gordon Hessler, was released with Vincent Price as the film's primary star. The film is categorised as horror/thriller, set within a historical context during the 16th century. The story's theme is one of revenge against those in power and the consequences of such actions. The film tells the story of the cruel and brutal magistrate Edward Whitman, played by Price, living in rural England. The magistrate and his family rule the town with an iron fist, oppressing the villagers and subjecting them to their whims. The Whitmans are also witch hunters, declaring anyone who disagrees with them as witches, leading to their trial and punishment.

The conflict begins when the pagan cult of the O'Connors is discovered in the village, with the Whitmans seeing this as a threat to their power. The banishment of their leader, Sean O'Conner, played by Patrick Mower, only fuels the cult's anger towards the magistrate, leading them to seek revenge.

The film takes a turn when the O'Connors hire an old hag to curse the magistrate and his family. This curse leads to the arrival of the banshee, a spirit that wails at night and brings death to those who hear it.

The movie progresses as the banshee continues to wreak havoc on the magistrate and his family, including his wife and children. One of his daughters, played by Essy Persson, is kidnapped by the O'Connors for a human sacrifice. The magistrate must then team up with an ex-priestess and healer, played by Elisabeth Bergner, to rescue his daughter and put an end to the curse.

The film's atmosphere is filled with suspense, gore, and occult elements. The viewer is treated to gruesome scenes of torture, decapitation, and burning at the stake. The banshee, which adds to these horrifying elements of the movie, is depicted as a ghostly apparition that brings a cold feeling of terror to the story.

One of the most significant aspects of "Cry of the Banshee" is Vincent Price's acting. He brilliantly portrays the character of Edward Whitman, a man who is both barbaric and vulnerable. The character's descent into madness as the curse takes its effect offers a chilling portrayal of the human psyche.

The film's theme of brutal witch hunts and oppression resonates with the historical context of the 16th century. At the same time, it is a cautionary tale of the consequences of such actions. The O'Connors' actions against the magistrate led to the curse, but it also leads to innocent people suffering.

In conclusion, "Cry of the Banshee" is a must-watch for horror-film fans, especially those who enjoy period-piece, occult horror. Vincent Price's outstanding performance, and the expertly crafted suspense scenes, makes the movie a classic for horror moviegoers.

Cry of the Banshee is a 1970 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.