The Deadly Bees/The Vulture (1966) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "The Deadly Bees" and "The Vulture" (1966) in the Pacific Northwest.

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The Deadly Bees (1966)
"The Deadly Bees" is a British horror thriller that delves into the eerie intersection of science, nature, and human malice. The film opens with a struggling pop singer, Vicki Robbins, who is advised to take a break to recover from a nervous breakdown. Seeking solace and tranquility, she retreats to a remote island, staying at a quaint farmhouse run by the enigmatic couple Ralph and Mary Hargrove.

The rural setting, however, is far from peaceful. Ralph, an obsessive beekeeper, is consumed by his work with bees, which Mary finds unsettling. The tension between them creates an unnerving atmosphere for Vicki. Soon after her arrival, she begins to notice strange and sinister occurrences involving the bees, leading her to suspect that something unnatural is at play.

As Vicki digs deeper into the secrets of the Hargrove household, she encounters another beekeeper, the charming but mysterious Mr. Manfred. The film’s narrative weaves a web of suspicion, with each character harboring their own motives and secrets. The bees, increasingly aggressive and seemingly controlled by an unseen force, become a central and menacing element of the story.

Amidst the escalating tension, "The Deadly Bees" explores themes of human manipulation of nature, the dangers of obsession, and the fine line between scientific curiosity and moral boundaries. The film builds its suspense through its isolated setting, eerie sound design, and the omnipresent threat of the swarming bees.

Director: Freddie Francis
Writers: Robert Bloch, Anthony Marriott, Gerald Heard
Stars: Suzanna Leigh, Frank Finlay, Guy Doleman
Buy "The Deadly Bees" (1966) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "The Deadly Bees" (1966) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

The Vulture (1966)
The Vulture is a British-American horror-science fiction film that weaves together eerie intrigue and an air of mystery in a small Cornish town. The story revolves around Dr. Eric Lutens, a man of science and curiosity, who becomes entangled in a strange phenomenon involving reports of a mysterious, vulture-like creature.

As the film opens, the serene coastal setting is disrupted by strange happenings. Locals are gripped by fear and superstition as rumors of a giant bird attacking people circulate. Dr. Lutens, skeptical of such claims, is drawn into the investigation, driven by his scientific approach and rational mind. Alongside him, a few determined individuals work to uncover the truth behind the bizarre occurrences.

The narrative skillfully balances a tone of suspense with an air of the inexplicable as the characters delve into local legends, scientific anomalies, and eerie coincidences. The titular vulture serves as both a literal and symbolic presence, representing fear of the unknown and the clash between reason and superstition. With a slow build of tension, the film incorporates unsettling atmospheres, unexpected twists, and a curious blend of horror and science fiction elements.

In its essence, The Vulture reflects the era's fascination with the supernatural, skepticism, and the unknown, drawing viewers into a thought-provoking and chilling tale. While it may not boast a fast-paced narrative, its methodical unraveling keeps the audience intrigued, culminating in a revelation that ties together the film's thematic and narrative threads.

Director: Lawrence Huntington
Writer: Lawrence Huntington
Stars: Robert Hutton, Akim Tamiroff, Broderick Crawford

May 2, 1967 ad (Portland)