The Wicker Man | Langham Wine Estate

The Wicker Man 

Director: Robin Hardy
Writers: Anthony Shaffer 
Actors: Edward Woodward, Britt Ekland, Christopher Lee
Rating: 15
Horror | Mystery | UK | 1973 | 1 hr 33 mins

There’s something afoot on Summerisle. Sergeant Neil Howie has flown out to investigate a report of a missing girl, but none of the locals seem to know her, and even her own mother has nothing helpful to say. But that’s not all worrying the Sergeant. Sex and sexuality are everywhere on the island, and the residents have strange things to say about life after death. The devoutly Christian Howie is unsettled by whatever religion it is that they’re practising, and suspects it may have something to do with the girl’s disappearance. 

Over the years, the film has had many reincarnations: a novelization, a radio play, a stage production, and even the (critically panned) 2006 remake. A huge influence on the genre, The Wicker Man sowed seeds in the minds of many of the young filmmakers who watched it, but few resulted in such a bountiful harvest. Horror stories on the urban-rural divide are a dime a dozen, but The Wicker Man towers among them as particularly clever and haunting. 

Edward Woodward’s Howie is by turns dour and fiery, as dogmatic as the islanders and usually much less pleasant. Meanwhile, Christopher Lee’s Lord Summerisle is full of surprises in his manner and in the way he discusses his pagan congregation. Their confrontation isn’t just about the missing girl’s fate, or even over their religions. The road to the film’s famously harrowing finale sees them clash over the society of Summerisle, and the sacrifices needed to uphold it. 

Menu

Starter: Hot smoked salmon, samphire with caper sauce

Main: Pulled and pressed Dorset beef shin, creamed mash, charred carrot and potted Litton Cheddar leeks

Vegetarian Option Available.

Please email info@langhamwine.co.uk with any special food requirements or if you need a group table.