4K Ultra HD Evaluation – Cry of the Banshee (1970)

      Cry of the Banshee, 1970.

      Directed by Gordon Hessler.

      Featuring Vincent Price, Hilary Dwyer, Michael Elphick, Elisabeth Bergner, Patrick Mower, Hugh Griffith, Essy Persson, Sally Geeson, and Stephan Chase.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Set in 16th century England, a magistrate known for hunting witches faces a curse after offending a witch. Released as part of Hammer's 'Hammer Presents' line, which includes titles made by other studios, Cry of the Banshee stars Vincent Price as Lord Edward Whitman, a tyrant who harbors a deep hatred for witchcraft and is willing to torture villagers on mere suspicion of witchery, despite their likely innocence. Following the mysterious deaths of livestock and disturbances caused by his troublesome family, Whitman decides to cleanse the area of all suspected 'witches.' However, when he angers Oona (Elisabeth Bergner), a true witch who leads a local coven, he becomes the target of an unshakeable curse.

      Originally produced and released by American International Pictures during the height of the folk horror trend in the late '60s and early '70s, Cry of the Banshee shares thematic elements with other esteemed genre titles like Witchfinder General and Blood on Satan’s Claw, yet it did not receive the same acclaim and has failed to build a significant following over the years, even if it does not deviate from the established formula of similar films. While the film was made by an American company, most casual viewers might not have noticed this distinction, especially since Vincent Price and Hilary Dwyer had starred in the popular Witchfinder General the year prior, lending it some familiarity within the folk horror context.

      One notable shortcoming is the absence of an actual banshee; instead, the creature conjured by Oona and her coven resembles a werewolf and only appears towards the film's conclusion, announced through howls and the remains of slain animals. The narrative primarily focuses on Whitman exercising his authority over the village peasants and handling his wayward family, though Vincent Price’s performance, characterized by his well-known theatrical style, adds an unexpected layer of enjoyment.

      The supporting actors deliver commendable performances, with Michael Elphick's early role standing out as he is less gravelly voiced (though still ill-tempered), alongside familiar faces like Patrick Mower, Sally Geeson, and Hilary Dwyer, all providing engaging portrayals, despite the frequent instances of clothing getting torn, which is a hallmark of folk horror.

      Although Vincent Price never starred in a Hammer production, he can now be said to have appeared in a Hammer-released film, as the studio has provided fans and collectors with a solid package. While not as comprehensive as their main releases, Cry of the Banshee includes two 4K UHD discs—one showcasing the Director’s Cut in both widescreen and full-frame formats and the other featuring AIP’s theatrical re-edit. Additional content includes an audio commentary by author Chris Alexander, an interview with critic Kim Newman, and an archive interview with director Gordon Hessler. The 4K upgrade imparts a natural appearance to the film, exhibiting consistent grain and rich detail in the medieval settings, although the film itself lacks vibrant colors, with the exception of the numerous instances of nudity.

      In conclusion, it is delightful to have another Vincent Price-led folk horror film available in 4K UHD to join the ranks of other significant genre titles that have received high-quality upgrades. Having Price's image on a package that bears the Hammer logo feels special (and the new cover artwork is impressive), yet as a film, Cry of the Banshee is somewhat less engaging and not particularly memorable compared to other horror films of its era.

      Perhaps audiences were weary of seeing Vincent Price reprise his familiar role in a historical horror film (this was shortly before he shifted to more contemporary horror movies), or maybe the script lacked the excitement and intensity it needed, but regardless of the reason, Cry of the Banshee serves as an apt entry to launch the 'Hammer Presents' series. With this title as a starting point, it raises the question of what further delights Hammer might offer in the future.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Chris Ward