The Wicker Man is a highly unusual film, originally released in 1973, starring Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, and Britt Eckland. This British thriller tells the story of a devout christian policeman who is called out to a remote Scottish island by a worried resident regarding the disappearance of a missing child.

As the film progresses it appears that the islanders have shunned christianity in favour of 'the old religion'. During his time on the island, Sergeant Howie ( Woodward ) is horrified by the bizarre practices of the locals led by Lord Summerisle ( Lee ). These practices include an open orgy in the street, children dancing naked, and young men being openly deflowered by the local goddess of love ( Eckland ). It is these practices which are completely at odds with everything Howie believes and it is this notion which serves as the backbone of the film.

Despite the film being 'lost' by its production studio, it has gone on to become highly acclaimed and has even been described as 'the Citizen Kane of horror films'. However, The Wicker Man is as much a surreal who-done-it, an erotic melodrama, and even a musical, as much as it is a horror film.

The Wicker Man was written by Anthony Shaffer who had previously written 'Sleuth' and was the screen writer for Hitchcock's 'Frenzy'. The film's director Robin Hardy had never directed previously, and barely ever directed thereafter.

The Wicker Man was cut to ribbons by its studio who hated the piece. It was originally only released, grudgingly, as a shortened supporting feature and its master tapes are believed to have been destroyed. A full length version of the film has now been restored ( in varying picture quality ) to the director's satisfaction, however, many involved believe that this still isn't the entire picture.