IMDb > The Wicker Man (1973)
The Wicker Man
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The Wicker Man (1973) -- A police sergeant is called to an island village in search of a missing girl whom the locals claim never existed. Stranger still, however, are the rituals that take place there.

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Overview

User Rating:
7.8/10   18,497 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 23% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
Anthony Shaffer (screenplay)
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Contact:
View company contact information for The Wicker Man on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
June 1975 (USA) more
Tagline:
From the writer of 'Frenzy & Sleuth' Anthony Shaffer's incredible occult thriller more
Plot:
A police sergeant is called to an island village in search of a missing girl whom the locals claim never existed. Stranger still, however, are the rituals that take place there. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
1 win & 5 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(72 articles)
Edward Woodward dies at 79
 (From FilmSchoolRejects. 17 November 2009, 6:51 PM, PST)

Edward Woodward
 (From Alternative Film Guide. 17 November 2009, 10:18 AM, PST)

User Comments:
Beware Shortened Versions more (371 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Edward Woodward ... Sergeant Howie

Christopher Lee ... Lord Summerisle
Diane Cilento ... Miss Rose

Britt Ekland ... Willow
Ingrid Pitt ... Librarian
Lindsay Kemp ... Alder MacGreagor
Russell Waters ... Harbour Master

Aubrey Morris ... Old Gardener / Gravedigger
Irene Sunters ... May Morrison (also as Irene Sunter)
Walter Carr ... School Master
Ian Campbell ... Oak
Leslie Blackater ... Hairdresser
Roy Boyd ... Broome
Peter Brewis ... Musician
Barbara Rafferty ... Woman with Baby (as Barbara Ann Brown)
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
Anthony Shaffer's The Wicker Man (UK) (complete title)
The Wickerman (Europe: English title) (alternative spelling)
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Runtime:
88 min | 100 min (2001 director's cut) (25 fps)
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Eastmancolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Iceland:16 | South Africa:(Banned) | Finland:K-18 (2006) (DVD) | Finland:K-16 (1983) (self applied) (video) | Germany:16 | Australia:M (DVD rating) | Australia:R (original rating) | Ireland:15 (re-rating) (2002) | Ireland:18 (original rating) | Norway:16 (1974) | South Korea:18 | Spain:18 | UK:15 (video re-rating) (2002) | UK:18 (video rating) (1990) | UK:X (original rating) | USA:R

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The 'evil eye' rowing boat, which takes Howie to and from his plane, was not constructed for the film. It belonged to a resident of Plockton. Upon seeing it, the producers decided it would suit the film. The boat survived until 2004 when it was destroyed in a storm. more
Goofs:
Revealing mistakes: Most of the "naked" girls dancing in the stone circle and jumping over the fire are wearing flesh-colored body stockings (the film was shot in autumn and not in spring as it was set, and thus was very cold). more
Quotes:
May Morrison: You'll simply never understand the true nature of sacrifice. more
Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
Sumer is Icumen In more

FAQ

Is Hardy's upcoming film 'The Wicker Tree' a remake of 'The Wicker Man'?
Comedy or horror?
How many wicker men were used in the last scene? (spoiler)
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36 out of 39 people found the following comment useful.
Beware Shortened Versions, 26 November 2005
10/10
Author: drednm

On an island off the Scottish coast is a very strange community that Sgt Howie (Edward Woodward) ventures to in search of a missing teenaged girl. On landing he is astonished to find that the crowd of old men has never heard of the girl. His quest will be stranger yet.

The island is "ruled" by Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee) who is the descendant of a scientist who introduced exotic cultivars of fruits and re-introduced druidic or pagan beliefs. As the island prospered with its exported fruits the paganism became more deep rooted. The Sgt finds more and more mystery as he continues his quest for the girl.

Pitting Christianity against early pagan druidic rituals is just one of the intellectual pleasures of this cult film. As the local teacher (Diane Cilento) tells the Sgt, it's easier for a child's mind to understand reincarnation than resurrection. It gets them past all those rotting bodies.

Part mystery story, part horror, The Wicker Man blends several genres into one fascinating film. The May Day Festival is a throwback to pagan rites of a thousand years ago (a bit of which continues today in Morris dancing) and are a highlight of this film. The bizarre procession to the sea to offer sacrifices to the sea gods and sun god is historically accurate and sets up a surprise ending not to be forgotten.

Woodward is splendid as the pompous officer who clings to his religion. Lee is terrific as the eccentric lord. Cilento is a hoot as the teacher. Britt Ekland is the landlord's daughter Willow and Ingrid Pitt is the librarian. Blending folk and Enya-like music (by Paul Giovanni), director Robin Hardy creates a bawdy pagan world in the midst of the 20th century. The Celtic symbolism (Nuada the Sun God) is beautiful and helps set the tone.

A visual treat with great music, this film really gives the viewer something to think about. Highly recommended.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Wicker Man (1973)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
So--Who Was Right? ground_x
Anyone seen the director's cut? weaselfrance
who would have been sacrificed if the Sargent wasn't? musicismylife78
Would you have fought harder? bowmanblue
If Chris Lee is right and someone is secretly hoarding the out-takes.... SAlexLindsay
R.I.P. Edward Woodward azazel_fallenangel
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