Michael Reeves is one of British cinema's great “What could have been” directors. Despite making only three films before his tragic death from an overdose at the age of 25, Reeves demonstrated a remarkable talent that would have undoubtedly led to a prolific career.
His directorial debut, Revenge Of the Blood Beast, also known as The She-Beast, isn't a perfect film. The performances can be overly theatrical, the script is risible in places, and the effects and makeup are often lacking. Yet, there is much to admire in Reeves' inventive camerawork and sense of mise-en-scène, coupled with a relatively unique storyline.
The film follows young newlyweds Philip (Ian Ogilvy) and Veronica (Barbara Steele), honeymooning in Romania, who encounter an ancestor of the legendary Van Helsing (John Karlsen) while staying at a decrepit motel. After an altercation with the lecherous owner, the not-very subtly named Groper (Mel Welles), the couple departs, only to crash their car into a river. Philip is rescued but Veronica disappears, only to be replaced with a grotesque creature, named Vardella. With Van Helsing's assistance, Philip races to conduct an exorcism ritual to save Veronica and banish Vardella forever.
Tonally, it's a very uneven film, beginning as a straight period horror piece before abruptly shifting to a modern setting (well, the 1960s). This shift introduces a more comic sensibility that proves a little jarring. It's often unclear if the script's campy elements are intentional or a product of its time, but as the film goes on this dissonance grows increasingly pronounced, culminating in a car chase more reminiscent of Benny Hill than a serious horror narrative.
Despite these misgivings, Revenge Of the Blood Beast remains an enjoyable watch. Reeves wears his influences from directors like Mario Bava and Roger Corman on his sleeve, particularly in the visually striking sequences and creative set pieces, rendered in stunning HD for this release from Radiance Films. Reeves had a great eye, and the framing, especially in the wide shots, shows a hint of the sophisticated cinematography he would later employ in his masterpiece, Witchfinder General.
Ian Ogilvy, who would go on to appear in every film made by Reeves, plays his role straight, and makes for an incredibly likeable hero. Meanwhile horror icon Barbara Steele (known best for her roles in Black Sunday and Shivers) shines as Veronica, though her screen time is regrettably short. A rough and ready production, the film was shot in just 21 days, and she was on set for only one of these. Given the constraints on time and budget, it's actually fairly impressive that the film is as coherent and well-crafted as it is!
It would be great to describe Revenge Of The Blood Beast as an undiscovered gem. Unfortunately, despite some striking shot composition, that's not quite the case. Weirdly the thing that makes it a lesser work than Reeves' later films is the same thing that makes it most interesting today – namely the erratic, constantly shifting tone. Most importantly today, it serves as an early indicator of Reeves' talent, laying the groundwork for his subsequent, more accomplished films.
The special features of this release include a refreshingly honest commentary from producer Paul M. Maslansky, alongside stars Ian Ogilvy and Barbara Steele. These commentaries are a delight, as all three participants candidly acknowledge the film's imperfections while providing insightful anecdotes about the filmmaking process. Additional interviews with Steele, an endearingly self-deprecating Ogilvy, and critic Kim Newman round out the extras, offering playful and informative perspectives on the film and its place in genre history.
Revenge Of The Blood Beast is available on Blu-ray now from Radiance Films
