Vincent Price's 8 Most Entertaining Horror Films

"Critics are likely to make enemies, inspector. You can call it an occupational hazard."

Comedy-horror gem Theatre of Blood seems like it shouldn't work in the slightest on paper, and with any other actor in Vincent Price's place it likely wouldn't. The lines he is given are ridiculous, yet he delivers them with a strange sort of dignity. Perhaps the reason he gives such a strong performance is that his character, failed thespian Edward Lionheart, is essentially a self-parody. As much as Price was and still is worshiped by horror audiences, critics were often harsh and unforgiving. He was frequently written off as nothing more than a camp novelty, and his characteristic (admittedly over-the-top) approach to his roles was subjected to much critical ridicule.

This film may well feature Vincent Price's strongest horror performance, if not a close second to his depiction of the villainous Matthew Hopkins in Michael Reeve's Witchfinder General (which is also well worth your time).

The revenge scenes in Theatre of Blood are absolutely glorious. The highlight of the film has to be one glutenous critic being unknowingly fed his own poodles for dinner (in reference to Titus Andronicus). Poetry.