Fame sure packs a sting, sometimes!

Indeed, 1966’s truly fun The Deadly Bees takes pop star Vicki Robbins (the exquisite Suzanna Leigh from The Lost Continent and Lust for a Vampire) from fur stained Top of the Pops settings to the green and relaxing countryside. Of course, her restorative vacation is soon endangered when a mad scientist (disguised as a kindly neighbor) starts sending his killer bees on a variety of death filled errands.

Obviously filmed long before the prevalence of CGI, The Deadly Bees does contain tons of blatantly artificial effects work. The actors, here, are (often laughingly) covered with mighty mounds of superimposed bees during the attack scenes. In fact, rumor has it that these blanketing creatures were created by dunking coffee grounds in vats of water. Mrs. Folgers must be really pissed, huh!?!

But, while this vicious entry, directed by the iconic Freddie Francis, is considered by Amicus scholars to be one of that venerable studio’s weakest efforts, time seemingly has been kind to this buzzing creation. Quaint and charming, it is enlivened by it’s distinguished British performers and the vibrant Leigh. It is truly a pleasant throwback and, certainly, as one of the first killer bees films available, a cultural artifact, as well.

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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