[9]

Edward Woodward (TV’s The Equalizer) stars as a Christian police officer investigating the disappearance of a child on a remote island in the Scottish isles. Attempts to solve the case are complicated by the locals, all pagan practitioners who deny the child ever existed. The Wicker Man is a British cult classic that never had much of an original theatrical release, but has since collected fans around the world on home video. It’s a creepy, atmospheric film with a genuine mystery that builds nicely to a shocking and spectacular ending. Woodward does a terrific job playing the pious policeman, who struggles to maintain his faith as the mystery deepens.

A highlight of the movie is a scene in which Britt Ekland performs a nude tribal dance on the other side Woodward’s bedroom wall. As she bangs her hands on the wall and rubs her body against it, director Robin Hardy inter-cuts Woodward, who at first puts his ear against the wall to hear her singing, but ends up struggling against her seductive efforts. It’s a spectacular seduction scene, especially given the seduced can’t even see his seducer.

The film also stars venerable horror icon Christopher Lee in what he considers his finest role, that of the community’s leader, Lord Sommerisle. On top of a great story and great characters, The Wicker Man also features a unique soundtrack of folk songs (an acquired taste, but I really dig it) and striking pagan imagery involving animal masks, live sacrifice, and cross-dressing. (If you’ve ever wanted to see Christopher Lee in drag, here’s your chance. But be warned: it ain’t pretty.)

The film inspired a universally panned re-make in 2006, directed by Neil LaBute with Nicolas Cage in Edward Woodward’s role and Ellen Burstyn in Christopher Lee’s.