Yesterday, 26 May, was Peter Cushing’s birthday. He was born in 1913.
And today, 27 May, is the birthday of Vincent Price (1911) and Christopher Lee (1922).
Three titans of horror. Three excellent actors. Three tall men. All born around the same date.
I guess they were also all friends, although it’s very hard to tell when it comes to actors who are always playing a part when a camera is rolling.
Collaborations
Everyone knows that Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing starred in a lot of films together. Watching a collection of Hammer films is a lot like watching “The Cushing and Lee Show. “
I know of only two films that featured Price and Cushing. The first was Dr Phibes Rises Again although Cushing is barely in it and probably wasn’t even on set at the same time as Price. Much better is Madhouse where they work together closely and brilliantly. It’s a great part for Cushing!
And there’s only one film I know of with just Price and Lee: The Oblong Box. It’s a great film but the two men don’t work that much with each other.
All Three Men
There are two films that feature all three men. The first was 1970’s Scream and Scream Again. It’s a good film that has you confused until the very end. The problem with it is that Peter Cushing is hardly in it all.
If you want to celebrate this occasion, you should watch House of the Long Shadows. It’s an ensemble film but the three men are all primary. And as a special extra it also features John Carradine!
And I just happened to have found a wonderful copy of the film on YouTube. So here’s to Peter Cushing, Vincent Price, and Christopher Lee!
Image from House Of The Long Shadows via Amazon under Fair Use.