The Deadly Bees (1966)

Just because there are worse movies with similar themes are still made today doesn't buy much credit for this one ... yes, it might have attracted some attention back in the day but i'd say this is BAD even for its time! glad the director admitted it himself too ...

Exhausted pop singer Vicki Robbins (a solid and appealing performance by fetching blonde Suzanne Leigh) decides to take it easy by spending some time at a farm on a remote island. However, things go awry when a swarm of deadly bees start attacking folks left and right.The merely competent direction by Freddie Francis not only lets the meandering narrative plod along at a sluggish pace, but also crucially fails to generate much in the way of either tension or creepy atmosphere. Worse yet, the paint-by-the-numbers script by Robert Bloch and Anthony Marriott doesn't cut the mustard as a mystery thriller, with the identity of the person behind the whole thing being pretty obvious from the get-go. In addition, the chintzy (far from) special effects leave a lot to be desired. Fortunately, the sturdy cast keeps this movie watchable: Frank Finlay excels as friendly eccentric bee expert H.W. Manfred, Guy Doleman portrays gruff farmer Ralph Hargrove with delightfully crusty gusto, Catherine Finn likewise adds some vinegar as Hargrove's snippy rundown wife Mary, Kathy Wild exudes a tremendous amount of perky charm as the chipper Doris, and always reliable character actor Michael Ripper makes the most out of his sizable supporting part as amiable bar owner/constable David Hawkins. Both John Wilcox's sharp cinematography and the shivery score by Wilfred Josephs are up to par. A passable diversion at best.

I went into this film wanting to like it. I am a fan of Freddie Francis who directed the masterful GIRLY (one of the best and unique films I have ever seen) as well as actors Suzanna Leigh (LUST FOR A VAMPIRE) and the great character actor Michael Ripper (THE REPTILE) but there was nothing of value in this film. It was ripe for those guys at Mystery Science Theatre 3000.Suzanna Leigh plays an overworked popstar who falls flat on her backside while filming a song. Her doctor prescribes rest and sends her off to stay with an old friend on an island. Suzanna moves in with the Hargroves while on vacation but her arrival coincides with some attacks from a swarm of bees. Both Mr. Hargrove (Guy Doleman) and the eccentric Manfred (Frank Finlay) keep bees but which fellow is to blame for the attacks? Manfred blames Hargrove and befriends Suzanna, who suspects Hargrove of foul play when his wife is killed by the deadly bees.STORY: $ (This screenplay is very weak. I got the impression that the writer knew about as much on beekeeping as I do--which is zip. The bees swarm, make their kill, and disappear in a manner of seconds. People come rushing to their aid, seconds after an attack, and the bees have all departed. No one even hears so much as a buzz from the killer bees. And the dialogue, especially that from Frank Finlay's character, is absurd).ACTING: $$ (Nothing of note here. Suzanna Leigh does a great job with what is given her but she is in far better shape in such films as LUST FOR A VAMPIRE and LOST CONTINENT. Michael Ripper is always a treat even when he has little to do. He has more than a cameo in this film but he's really not on screen often enough for fans to clamor for this film. Guy Doleman is effectively curmudgeonly as Hargrove but Frank Finlay isn't up to the task of Manfred. Some of his line readings are laughable).NUDITY: None (About all anyone seems to remember from this little film is Suzanna Leigh fighting off a swarm of bees in her bra. That's really the highlight of this forgettable movie).

Throughout the mid 60s and early 70s Amicus Productions churned out a series of wonderful little horror anthologies including my favorite, TALES FROM THE CRYPT.But, before launching into the more-profitable horror genre, where low-budgets were more easily forgiven, Amicus produced some full-length features, including THE DEADLY BEES.While watching this movie, you have to realize that this was a time before CGI, before Star Wars special effects and the like. Making a movie about killer bees isn't easy, as they don't necessarily make for the most horrifying "monsters." However, I think Amicus and Freddie Francis did a commendable job; and, really pulled this one off.The script is based on the novel 'A Taste for Honey' by H.F. Heard; and, was well-adapted to the screen by Robert Bloch (unlike other Amicus feature-length films, which were written by Amicus insider, Milton Subotsky). Block turned out quite a few exceptional screenplays (e.g., Psycho), including the Amicus production THE SKULL, among many others.The Deadly Bees isn't a dull film, the plot moves along quite well. The cinematography isn't always pretty; it is quite gritty around the farm, gorgeous around "Seagull Island;" and, quite slick and very "mod" in and around London.I think that it offers some very good shock sequences, despite the fact that the bee effects are not always convincing. This is especially true of the bathroom attack on Vicky Robbins, which was quite well done. Give it a try, with the right attitude; and, you won't be disappointed.