The Wicker Man: The Official Story of the Film

The Wicker Man: The Official Story of the Film is the sixth book by John Walsh, published October 24, 2023, as part of the film's 50th anniversary.

Overview
This is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the British folk horror film The Wicker Man from 1973 directed by Robin Hardy from the screenplay is by Anthony Shaffer, based on the novel Ritual by David Pinner from 1967. The book looks at the behind-the-scenes stories and includes new and archive interviews from its stars Edward Woodward, Britt Ekland, Diane Cilento, Ingrid Pitt and Christopher Lee.

The book shared newly discovered images and materials.

Reception
The book received a 'Book of the Year' nomination in the 2024 Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards.

The Sunday Telegraph revealed a new interview from the book by the film’s star Britt Ekland where she claimed to have been tricked into a nude scene in the film. “In a new book about the making of the film, she has relived the shock of discovering that, without her consent, the film-makers brought in a stripper as her body double – despite an agreement that she would only be shown from the waist up.She said: “During the shoot I had two days off, and that’s when they shot some of my scenes with a Glaswegian stripper.” John Walsh, author of the new book, discovered that she had been the victim of “subterfuge”. Jake Wright, the first assistant director, recalls: “We filmed the dance sequence with Britt Ekland stripped to the waist singing and dancing. “When it was finished we said, ‘thank you very much, that’s enough for tonight.’ “She went downstairs and got into her limousine – and there was another limousine drawn up behind hers. The body double was lying flat on the floor so Britt Ekland couldn’t see her. “As Britt had gone, up came the body double and we went on doing the other bits of the full nude scene.” Ms Ekland was distraught: “They just stuck a blonde wig on the body double. I couldn’t believe it because Robin promised that he wouldn’t do that. And the model’s body looked nothing like mine. I was just devastated.” “Mr Walsh, an award-winning film-maker, said that The Wicker Man was a failure on release but is today considered “the Citizen Kane of horror films”.

SFX Magazine commented on the book's research and the discoveries' unflinching nature. "The author conducted 15 original interviews, key among them discussions with production designer Seamus Flannery, producer Michael Deeley and Peter Snell – then MD of production company British Lion. Flannery is absolutely excoriating about director Robin Hardy, variously labelling him "just unpleasant", "a nasty little man" and "in love with himself"."

Starburst Magazine highlighted the sometimes forgotten origins of the film from an original novel. "An interesting addition is author David Pinner, who wrote the novel Ritual, which formed the basis of the story developed by Anthony Shaffer and Hardy. The interview he gives is both informative and entertaining. We also get some insight into real-life pagan rites, particularly those involving large men-shaped structures, adding more elements of reality to the tale."

The blog Back To The Movies was struck by the writing style. "John Walsh writes in a way where words leap off the page and start frantically painting images in your head, a fascinating read and a deep dive into the mechanics of what made this low budget British horror film tick."

SciFi Pulse remarked about the fiscal side the book covers. "It also gives some historical context about the British Film Industry and how it was financed, and the chapter about British Lion, which produced a varied mix of genre films ranging from drama to science fiction."

SciFi Bulletin commented on the new information uncovered and alternative versions of the film. "Further details and images follow about the construction of the titular wicker man itself, the shoot, music and the release. There's also a very useful graphic showing how the three different cuts of the movie differ."

Film Juice confirmed that new materials had been uncovered for this publication. "an absolute goldmine of wonderful rare set photography (never-before-seen in such high quality)."

Roger Ebert's review site said, "Walsh not only offers new behind-the-scenes details but unpacks why this film has maintained a growing legacy with new interviews and never-before-seen material. It's a dense, well-assembled, gorgeous book, one of the best art books in years for horror fans."

Horror DNA praised the book's scope. "The Wicker Man: The Official Story of the Film is filled with information spread across eighteen chapters, the pages filled with rare, some never before seen behind-the-scenes photographs in color and black and white. Devoted fans and newcomers alike will find this tome brimming with little-known facts and fascinating stories."