Today, 27 May, is the birthday of Vincent Price (1911) and Christopher Lee (1922). What’s more, Peter Cushing was born on 26 May 1913.

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.

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!

So here’s to Peter Cushing, Vincent Price, and Christopher Lee! Let’s watch House of the Long Shadows.

Other 27 May Anniversaries

Filmmakers

• Harlan Ellison (1934-2018): Science fiction writer who has been much used in the film industry for films like A Boy and His Dog and the Star Trek episode “The City on the Edge of Forever.”
• Linnea Quigley (1958-): Actor known for Return of the Living Dead. She has worked widely in psychotronic films and especially with David DeCoteau in films like Creepozoids and Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama.
• Paul Bettany (1971-): Actor known for the action-horror films Legion and Priest.
• Ben Feldman (1980-): Actor known mainly for the TV show Superstore but also had small parts in Cloverfield and Friday the 13th.

Films

• Africa Screams (1949): Abbott and Costello vs the Cannibals.
• Crypt of the Vampire (1964): A rich girl has nightmares that may indicate she is possessed by an ancestor.
• Desperate Living (1977): Society woman murderer is on the run in this John Waters comedy.
• Smokey and the Bandit (1977): Two drivers try to win a race delivering unlicensed beer in record time.
• The Monster Club (1981): Much-hated horror anthology with musical segments. I like it!
• Possession (1981): A woman gets divorced and gives birth to a tentacled creature that becomes her lover. Other stuff happens but that will give you an idea of what you are getting yourself into.
• Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988): Circus clowns from outer space kill small town humans for later consumption. Essential viewing.
• Blood Ties (1991): Basically a family dispute among vampires.
• The Flintstones (1994): Live-action film of the cartoon.
• Freeze Me (2000): Sort of a Japanese I Spit on Your Grave.
• Horror (2003): Out of the drug rehab into the demonic farmhouse.
• The Longest Yard (2005): Faithful remake of the original, which works well.

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Image from House Of The Long Shadows via Amazon under Fair Use.