ONE FOR HUGH THIS IS ON FREEVIEW 24 11.15 PM TONIGHT (SATURDAY) GET ME SILVER DISC DEVICE READY.

I wonder if they are screening the theatrical version or director's cut?

Cheers Paul, I have the 3 disc box set, plus other editions, but what the hell, chances are I'll watch again, I have a recording from TV somewhere. It is the longest version available Jonathan, if it hadn't been for Roger Corman keeping hold of the 16mm print sent him for his verdict on possible American distribution, this wouldn't exist at all, only in the 84 minute version, so a neg was struck, the original 35mm neg plus out takes are under the M3, hundreds of cans of film were used as infill, no wonder our roads are in poor condition using ballast such as this. Still a truly great film, using some quite local Scots locations and beautiful scenery. Sir Chris Lee and Peter Snell (Producer ) waived their fee to work on the film, Lee has sold it to the Americans by word of mouth, it is highly regarded, has festivals celebrated in the USA and Britain, indeed check it out on Google, there are hundreds of sites devoted to this film now. Sir Chris was convinced that the negative still exists, on reading of Spikings & Deeley, who took over British Lion, coupled with that sneaky little editor, Boyd- Perkins there was something going on, the original film was "butchered amateurishly" by Deeley. Still the film has survived, indeed taken off, enjoy.

Interesting back story Hugh. I'm not a horror fan but I've always thought The Wicker Man a brilliantly haunting detective story. A friend of mine's son knew Shaffer quite well in the 80s btw

The island is up for sale although not filmed there supposed to be the setting. If I won the lotto I would be inclined to buy it and move there. Perfect place for a home cinema, and the odd sacrifice.

There is an Isle, although nothing to do with the film, it was part inspiration along with "Ritual", a novel, that gave birth to a more
presentable screenplay Dave. Burrowhead was the burning site, the most southern peninsula in Scotland, visible from my home town of Whitehaven. At the time it was filmed, I was courting a girl who was dreading going to Newton Stewart, one of 25 sites used,
they had relatives up there, mind, if they were putting strangers into bonfires, I would be a bit hesitant too.
That's an interesting fact Jonathan, sadly the man has gone, but left some great work. He wrote the sequel "Wicker Man II", which is enjoyable, but does not have the punch of the original. I know you were involved in film, the guy who ran "Lone Wolf Films", Trevor
Wilsmer" was involved in some films himself, I think he was "runner" on "Waterloo" or "Cromwell", he had some good tales to tell too.
P.S. The version shown was the shorter theatrical version, so I watched the longer one with commentary from Lee, Woodward etc.
The time to show this 80 odd minute film on ITV 4, 11.15 pm to 2.00 am, adverts have taken over obviously. Last time shown it was the 99min ( 102 min for speed difference ).