Marty, you are the perfect patsy for this movie. A total innocent and you fell for every ruse, feint, and joke. Kudos.

Woodward said himself that when Howie says "Oh God, oh Jesus Christ" he is NOT blaspheming. He is actually calling on divine intervention. The final shot with the sun appearing behind the falling head was a complete accident. Good that you've put this out on Beltane. Blessings be!

"Don't keep the Wicker Man waiting."

The Sargeant's name is a spoiler at the outset Howie is a middle eastern word for incense. If he had accepted Willow's invitation and thus lost his virginity, it could have saved his life.

That song that Britt Ekland sings, and the eerie song in the pub, where they start singing to the ceiling, those songs are so haunting, give me goosebumps every time.

This movie is in my all time top 10 - not just of horror films, but of films in general. It's an art movie, crossed with a horror film, crossed with a musical. And it has profound things to say about religion and the human condition. The entire island was in on it; from the scholl children up to people peeping out of windows when Howie first lands. This film was decades ahead of it's time, but thankfully it has finally found it's audience. I love it....despite the nightmares I had after my first viewing!

This is far superior to the remake. Great movie.

The Punch character does have pagan connections. According to historian/author Robert Graves book, "The White Goddess", there were people that were sacrificed to the old Druid gods choosing to become king for a day and given whatever he wished or rather 'fool for a day' and then killed to save the village or land from a plague. Punch represents the "Fool" that becomes King for a day. The victim's family was honored in his sacrifice. Human sacrifice was rare, but did happen in pagan U.K. and French Gaul. Roman historian Suetonius, wrote about Druid sacrifices burnt in a giant wicker man.

The song the islanders sing as they burn Edward Woodward is _Sumer Is Icumen In_ (Summer has come) and it's one of the oldest songs on record, dating to the 13th century. Also, and this is extremely esoteric (if you know, you know), it's the exact same tune as the "We will mend it" song sung by the Mice on the Mouse Organ in the old _Bagpuss_ series.

Sargeant Howie plays the doctor on Hot Fuzz 😂😂😂😂

The song they are singing at the very end is "Sumer Is Icumen In" ----- the oldest known song in the English language. It is known to us from a manuscript copied between 1261 AD and 1264 AD, but the song is much older.

Great reaction to one of my absolute favourite movies. It's so unique that it's hard to pin down to a genre. Arguably more mystery/thriller than horror? I especially like that the villagers aren't presented as solely horrific, (which is my issue with Midsummer,) but clashing against Howie's extremely rigid christian values. Until you get to the end, that is 😅 The contrast between the old and new religions is also a theme in Arthurian stories. 2021's The Green Knight also has a "green chapel", a church reclaimed by nature, which represents the old religion.

Hey, great reaction. In terms of personal enjoyment and fascination, this film is easily in my top 5. I love everything about it, from the religious tension and the more "creepy" elements to the musical and visual aesthetics. Despite the budget issues and attempt to "bury" the film, I guess the gods intervened. Shaffer and Hardy really caught lightning in a bottle, like that amazing ending shot with the Wicker Man's head falling to reveal the sun blazing behind it. There's so much to revisit and appreciate; what a gem!

I have to admit that I sang along with the islanders when I first saw the film. I was taken up by the pagan love of the Old Gods.

Edward Woodward starred as Robert McCall in the television series, The Equalizer. The Denzel Washington movies ( Equalizer 1,2&3) were based on the character in that series.

Stirling Smith was a film critic in New Orleans, LA , a friend of Christopher Lee, and invited him to premier the film there. The Archdiocese of New Orleans banned it. He moved the event to Baton Rouge where I was working at a TV station at the time and I interviewed Christopher Lee and Robin Hardy at the theater..

Edward Woodward was such a great actor. For me his modt iconic role is Callam.

Pretty much every location you see in this film, interior and exterior, still looks almost identical today!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for watching this; very few people react to this masterpiece of cinema. I have been a fan of The Wicker Man since I saw it when I was about 15. It is arguably the greatest British horror film of all time & rightly so. Over the years, I visited several of the filming locations in Scotland; Plockton where Sgt Howie lands is an amazing little village near Kyle of Lochalsh on the north west coast. Back in 2007 I had the great honour of meeting Sir Christopher Lee. I’ve been a fan of his for as long as I could remember, thanks due to his incredible body of work with Hammer Films. We had a lengthy conversation about those films & the production of The Wicker Man. Right up until to his death, Lee remained adamant that there was a much longer cut of this film. Rumour has it, British Lion films disposed of hundreds of reels; one of which was this much longer cut of The Wicker Man. Then in 2013, we got The Final Cut of The Wicker Man. This involved a restoration of the original theatrical print & also the few additional scenes that had been re-edited into it for the directors cut several years earlier. Which ever version you watch, The Wicker Man always leaves a last impression on you. Fun Fact: when I was at first school we had an annual May Day Fair…….complete with May Pole Dancing. What can I say, I grew up in a village in the Yorkshire Dales. Several places in Cornwall still hold festivals around that time of the year. The most famous being the Obby 'Oss festival, which is held in Padstow every May Day.

I have only watched this movie once. I loved it though, it was such a trip. I’m always onboard whenever Christopher Lee is in a movie. Thank you for reacting to this movie!

Summer Isle 1974: Best Crop Ever!

Bravo Marty. So enjoyed watching you watch this film. This is one of the greatest movies ever made. [My pick for best film ever would have to be Lynch’s THE ELEPHANT MAN]. It was Christopher Lee’s favorite film of his career. …and what a career and life that man had! (I have some personal stories regarding this amazing man - I’ve been in theatre & film my whole life). Also, it’s always irritated me that Edward Woodward never got the accolades he deserved for this performance. He was absolutely brilliant. And everyone else was so obviously having such fun making this film. Thank you for all of the research you do with each film. You cannot imagine how much I can’t wait to return to Great Britain - it’s my favorite place in the world. Please never lose the incredible diversity of your people - I lived briefly in Islington whilst working on Lovejoy back in the 90s. Cried when I had to return to America. Anyway, cannot praise this film enough. Anthony Schaffer worked mostly in films whilst his twin brother Peter worked mostly in theatre writing the classics EQUUS & AMADEUS. So much talent assembled for this film. Again, bravo to you and your research.

I love this film. So glad to watch it with you, especially because I'd never seen The Final Cut. Your research is impeccable!

Loved your watch & review! I’ve always enjoyed The Wicker Man, been a huge fan of Christopher Lee since I was a kid. Other more modern films that are in same genre (at least to me) are The Ritual (2017) & Midsommar (2019). Both have that hidden creepy cult vibe, with more horror elements.

The soundtrack to this movie is really great. This kind of horror sticks with you long after a simple monster movie is long forgotten.

One of my most favorite creepy movies. Well done, Marty!

Imagine if it was Robert Patrick as the T-1000 asking the guys at the harbor if they have seen this girl.

the pub landlord was the mime artist who trained bowie and Kate bush

Great reaction, felt very reminiscent of my first time, many decades ago, such a weird film, but easy to fall in love with the strangeness and the great folk music. So don’t keep the wicker man waiting!

Looking at it objectively, is Howie's sacrifice any more strange or horrifying than that of Jesus who was basically God sacrificing himself to himself so that he can forgive humans for being what he made them? I loved Lord Summerisle's line when the Sergeant asks if they've heard about Jesus: "Himself the son of a virgin, impregnated, I believe, by a ghost." Brilliant movie.

I believe that the communion scene was a statement about religious rites. What may seem normal to one faith, such as transubstantiation, would seem morbid and bizarre to followers of another faith. Similarly, Howie mocked the concept of parthenogenesis but seemed offended when Lord Summerisle compared it to the immaculate conception.

this was a passion peice for Lee i believe,, the fact you used Hot Fuzz and the NWA head is part of a cult, and he was played by Edward Woodward made me smile

I have to say...this is not "what Paganism is/was". It is seen throught the lens of a horror flick, and changed to fit the plot

Brit Ekland was pregnant at the time so she is shot from the waist up only, she was also dubbed with a Scottish accent. She was married to Rod Stewart at the time, who was not happy with his wife bearing all. He tried to get it withdrawn and buy up all the copies.

this is one of the best British movies ever made

there is some evidence that the burned ashes are a form of fertiliser, so burning things can if they spread the ashes into crops it could make them grow better.

Although obviously modern pagans don't commit human (or even animal) sacrifice, some places still have wicker man burnings on Beltane, and I can tell you they're very impressive!

Great reaction Marty 😊

Rabbits are born naked with their eyes shut; hares are born with fur and their eyes open. Thank you for showing yourself in colour when watching a colour film and in B&W when watching a B&W film. I appreciate this is not just a gimmick, but minimizes distraction. Genius. I wish all reaction videos did this. (Luckily, you are incandescently beautiful either way. Please, please watch Tod Browning's Freaks, You are such a sensitive soul I trust you with this beloved gem.

I love this movie. I love the conflict between a sort of Neo-Paganism, which was pretty popular (though generally non-violent) at the time, particularly in England, and the ultra-stuffy, old-guard, British Christianity. Obviously, the islanders carry things too far, but both the people and Howie are blinded by their respective faiths. I also make the argument, which my wife isn't buying, that The Wicker Man is a stealth Musical. The songs don't just happen or enhance the mood, they're actually woven into the very story of the film, advancing the plot and exploring characters, like in a Musical. I'm sure others will mention it, but this is part of the "Folk Horror" subgenre, which is one I really enjoy, though there aren't a ton of great examples. I didn't love Midsommar (2019), but it captures some of this film's creepiness. I really liked The Ritual (2017), Kill List (2011), The Devil Rides Out (1968) (more on the Satanism side, as opposed to Paganism, but still solid, and features Christopher Lee in one of his favorite films), and Lair of the White Worm (1988) (the film is bugnuts crazy, and I love it). For an American angle on the genre, you might try Pumpkinhead (1988). As others have said, the remake of The Wicker Man with Nic Cage is bad. It has a bunch of things in it that I actually genuinely liked, but it really, really doesn't work. If you watch it as an unintentional comedy...I mean, I laughed pretty hard more than once. But it's still pretty bad.

For more unsettling country-based British horror: Blood on Satan's Claw (1971), Witchfinder General (1968) and the more recent A Field in England (2013) and something that always gave me a similar feeling to Wicker Man, despite being completely different, Australia's 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' (1975). Interestingly all of these are period pieces. Wicker Man stands alone in it's contemporary seting.

Great reaction. This film is a true work of art and truly frightening at the end.

It’s a weird coincidence (or…is it?) that I was thinking about this movie earlier today before I saw you had posted your reaction to it. I just happened to have an epiphany this morning that had Howie succumbed to Willow’s seduction, it might have saved his life. And I’m guessing the rest of the island would’ve been pretty ticked off at her ruining their sacrifice (because I’m guessing virginity is a prerequisite?). Definitely the OG of Folk Horror! It was amusing to watch the look on your face as the sunny, cheerful horror began to unfold. For a modern take in this same vein, I heartily recommend Midsommar!

Also this film is considered part of the ‘unholy trinity’ of British folk horror along with ‘Blood on Satan’s Cala’ & ‘The Witchfinder General’

Edward Woodward is great! He's best performance is in "Breaker Morant" (excellent movie - highly recommend, about the Boar War of 1900 South Africa) Woodward started his career playing "Callan" in the excellent late 60's and early 70's TV show "Callan" (check it out sometime). Woodward was also in the greepy/spooky movie "The Appointment" other psychological 70's thrillers: Magic The Shout I Start Counting The Mafu Cage The Other 2-cents

Thank you for the great breakdown at the end.. I learned a lot. A deep movie.. seems there is still more mysteries left in the movie for me to discover. I saw this late at night on TV when I was young, and it scared me quite a bit.. took me years before I could watch it again.. I guess I kept The Wicker Man waiting. Lol

Thanks, Marty! 🔥 Robin Hardy did a good job of directing this. 🔸 Kudos for your THE VICAR OF DIBLEY reference. My mother, my eldest niece and I all love that series.

brilliant film, love it.... one of the most peculiar movies ever made

If I recall correctly, Tacitus wrote about the Wicker Man some two millennia ago.

I notice you mentioned Cornwall and wondered if there was many horror movies set in Cornwall. There are actually two from Hammer Studios. The Reptile and Plague of the Zombies which are definitely worth a watch :D

Seems like you are watching the director's cut, which unfortunately isn't as good as the original version. You are right that they added scenes that didn't need to be there. For example the first appearance of Christopher Lee in the original is when Howie goes to see him at his mansion. By this time he has been built up throught the words of the townsfolk, but with the added scene of him appearing under Willow's window it takes away from the mystique. Having said that, even the subpar version is still a magnificent movie.

Well done, @movieswithmarty. I recommend "Night of the Demon" (NOT the American cut "Curse of the Demon"). Also "Village of the Damned" and its pseudo-sequel "Children of the Damned." I also think you will love the astonishing omnibus horror film "Dead of Night" with Michael Redgrave's greatest performance, part of which clearly inspired "Psycho." #movieswithmarty

Glad you mentioned all the versions out there. There are web sites that have extra scenes and dialogue. And it is still one of the best British horror films (correction: horror, full stop) of all times!

Really great to see you discover this old classic. Anthony Shaffer loved his elaborate traps, and I think this one suckers in everyone who's watching it for the first time. Loved the deep dive into the trivia - I've heard it called a cursed movie, and it's certainly got a fascinating backstory.

Nick Frost is right about the remake.

The grand residence where he initially meets Lord Summerisle is Culzean Castle in Ayrshire.

Christianity has had a very unsavory past. Frankly, I'm rooting for the Pagans in this film. Crops can fail, even if you do everything right. Not saying sacrifice is the answer, but some people are old school. I've read in several places this was Christopher Lee's favorite film to make.

When I submitted my sf/noir manuscript to my editor in the story I make reference to an 'art-house, musical, horror film' and he scribbled in the margins that 'The Wicker Man' was his favorite film. If you want a modern horror film with 'Wicker Man' vibes see 'Midsommar.'

Several years ago in my wild youth we were playing a gig in a small village and had to stay at the local village and despite being in the south of England this place had a heavy Wicker man vibe. We to a man left the bedroom door ajar! Thanks for reacting to my favourite film and making me reminisce about my wild formative years!

A lovely film to end the May Day with, especially after celebrating Walpurgis Night yesterday by a large bonfire in a field nearby, together with the rest of the community here. That was enough Christian tradition for me. At least we didn't burn any poor animals ... or police man officers. :D A fine pagan springtime to you, Marty!

What you are watching is the UNbutchered version. The BETTER one.

What is terrifying in this movie, is EVERYONE he meets is in on it. I hope the many scenes that got ripped out of this movie eventually see the light of the day. I’ve got the novelisation as I’m a huge WickerFan. There’s 3 official released versions of the movie (the theatrical cut-87 mins, the Final Cut-92 mins and the Directors Cut-99 mins) because they cut the film to bits before distribution

Fantastic video! What a movie! Felt the same way. At first I had no idea what genre this movie even was, i thought it was like a hippie musical! But that scene in the pub, where they all start singing the eerie song to the ceiling, that gave me chills and I got real intrigued. But even then......I just figured it would be a low-budget ending! Not this spectacularly horrific, disturbing, one-of-a-kind cinematic experience!

Great reaction to an under appreciated film. So you have a fondness for fishing villages. My favourite movie in that setting is the wonderful Local Hero. No spoilers short of saying that it has a fantastic score by Mark Knopfler and an early appearance of Peter Capaldi. If you haven't already seen it give it a go.

Great reaction Marty, I have just discovered your channel, and subscribed. I love that it finished with Summer Is Acoming In. While Punch may not be that old, that is a song which dates back the 1261 at the latest. That the folk law is mainly English fits the story. This isn't the old tradition of the Island, its an imported one established by Lord Summerisles grandfather. As for film suggestions, have you seen Kind Hearts and Coronets, the most stylish of black comedies. Imagine if Oscar Wilde wrote a story about a serial killer, with Alec Guinness playing all of his victims, 8 roles in all.

The scratchy scenes are reclaimed. They were cut out of the released version.

Killing me won't save your apples!

Don't keep the Wicker man waiting....Nice one Marty, Glad you got to watching this. Excellent movie but I think I've only ever seen the shorter version, didn't know this version existed. Good job. Yes, psychological horror is how I would describe it.

In 1978, Robin Hardy expanded Shaffer's screenplay into a full novel, incorporating all the previously deleted scenes, unfilmed material and a ton of backstory and brand new content. Howie is engaged to be married but is keeping himself pure until the wedding, hence the reason he's a virgin. And the conspiracy to trap him into his ultimate fate goes back well before the film makes you think it does. Highly recommended.

The book is brilliant.

Michael Deeley is indeed a real jerk. This wasn't the last time he tried to rain all over talented people's work unfortunately.

Personally think the theatrical cut is best. Better pacing. The reveals make more sense. Still good though no matter which version.

One of my faves...avoid remake at Al coasts except laughs🎩

Nice thank you.

I believe a lot of Howie's last shouted exhortation from the wicker man was improvised by Woodward.

I just recognized The Old Gardener as being in A Clockwork Orange.

"November" (2017) is a very good folk-horror film. Set in Estonia.

One of the strangest movies. And so British in it's themes and tone!

22:02 It's by no means the same tune, but it's got a similar feel to the popular _Carol of the Bells,_ especially when that chorus of "nude" women was singing it.

Talking of ‘The day the earth caught fire’ (1951) it’s a wonderful British science fiction movie that is well worth a watch. The cinematography is fantastic and some really cool visual effects. The science fiction is quite light, although a great base for the story, it’s the writing and acting along with the direction that makes this film special.

if you want to see the tumpton version of the wicker man check the video for Radiohead's song Burn the Witch

Ken Russell's brilliant film "The Devils" has a comparably weird/surreal/horrific vibe to this one, and is based on a true story. I highly recommend that you watch this, not that I want to keep you waiting.

Since you are covering classes, how about City Lights by Charley Chaplain?

This was great. My favorite Scottish movie though, is Local Hero.

Willow was completely dubbed as the actress couldn't do a Scots accent and it's not her arse in the nude dance🎩

Creepy, bizarre and intriguing film! I’m sure it’s far better than the remake. Besides I don’t want to keep the Wicker Man waiting. Would you? 😉

Love this movie. All three versions.

I just watched it on Xbox I recently went on the ride Alton towers

I don't find the beliefs and rituals of the islanders any stranger than the beliefs and rituals that permeate modern religions. For example, the ritual cannibalism/theophagy of transubstantiation and communion. Even the wicker man itself is no more horrific than much of the old testament. Of note is that if Howie had actually fully adhered to his professed beliefs, and not assaulted a man to steal his costume, he would not have qualified as the sacrifice. Conversely, if he'd gone to Willow when she invited him, he also wouldn't have qualified. I will say, other than the wicker man sacrifice itself, when it comes to the oddities of religion, I much prefer the freedom, acceptance, and love of the pagans to the uptight arrogance and judgementalism of most modern religions.

Ah but what makes one god better than another - deny one god and you can indeed deny them all :-)

Well, you have to watch the remake now. Or else the bees.

Who wrote the letter and why?🤔

Very interesting. Based on your reaction, I'm assuming you must be a devout Christian. When Sgt. Howie demands to know where Jesus and the "true God" are, you reacted in lockstep, nodding your head and wondering the same. His sacrifice at the end had you in tears. To a non-religious person, Sgt. Howie's insistence that his religion is the only true religion and his total dismissal of the Islander's beliefs, comes across as complete arrogance. For example, can you imagine going to a Hindi shrine, sweeping away the offerings left at the foot of an idol and replacing them with a wooden cross? Would that not be disrespectful? All religions claim to have the one and only answer. None of them have ever been able to prove it.

Good May day horror. Not a lot of them

Rabbit ears are bent over,hares' straight up🎩

Doesn't look like the best place for growing crops anyway

I take it you haven’t been to Helston for the Furry Dance!

Haares are noticeable bigger.

The poorer quality bits are recovered lost bits🎩

29:03 "I didn't expect her to be naked." Really? Haven't you been watching the film? 🤣