Killer Bees

Kate Jackson is spectacular in this movie about bees. The name of the movie is really misleading because this is not just another killer bee movie. There is method to their madness. The movie opens well enough and holds attention for the most part but it does sort of trudge along at places. Near the conclusion i was struck by how similar this was to a Hammer feature. There are no special effects to speak of, which is good in my opinion. And none are really needed as the movie quickly finds a kind of creepy groove. Yes, this is much different than other killer bee movies, don't be turned off by thinking it is as simplistic as that. There is much more here to enjoy. And Kate Jackson is fantastic especially near the conclusion.

Killer Bees (1974)

** (out of 4)

Edward van Bohlen (Edward Albert) brings his friend Victoria (Kate Jackson) back to his family estate years after leaving them behind. Before long the friend begins to realize that some local deaths might have been caused by the bees that Madame Maria von Bohlen (Gloria Swanson) has been raising.

KILLER BEES is another made-for-television horror film from director Curtis Harrington but sadly it's not one of his best. I guess you really can't blame him too much because there really hasn't been a good film dealing with killer bees. you can watch THE DEADLY BEES, THE BEES or even THE SWARM and you'll see that they're all pretty bad in their own way. This film here at least has a couple good performances but sadly there's just not enough going on throughout the 73-minute running time.

The biggest problem with the film is the fact that it's basically a lot of family drama and too much talking. I lost count of how many scenes had Edward talking about leaving his family and the friend talking about how they must discover the truth. There's just way too much boring melodrama here and none of it really has anything to do with the main plot. There are a couple bee attacks but they're not very good as the special effects are certainly lacking.

The one saving grace were the actors. Both Albert and Jackson were good in their roles as was Roger Davis in his role as the family doctor. Then you've got the legend Swanson. I'm not going to say she gave a good performance but it was at least an entertaining one as she certainly sold the role with a somewhat over-the-top performance.

The core concept is outstanding, primed for storytelling in film or TV production. The plot, as written, is pretty great in my opinion. I can honestly say I really like this! It definitely bears the look and feel of a TV movie, however, and in all fairness, I wonder if it wouldn't have been best reserved for a more abbreviated tale in a version of 'The Twilight Zone,' 'The Outer Limits,' or the like. This is true partly on account of the special effects; if made in the 80s onward, with better depiction of the bees, maybe it would have been well suited for such a longer format after all. It's also true that the first scene demonstrates one difficulty of the feature - it's rather difficult to visualize the primary horror element (or at least, it was in the 70s), so much like genre fare of the 1940s, the horror in 'Killer bees' is more thematic than actual. This is no specific major flaw, mind you; plenty of solid pictures have been made of such a tenor. One can readily understand, however, how this may not appeal to all comers, and perhaps hasn't been received well generally.

Make no mistake, the production values have not aged well; in terms of both audio and visual quality, a famous Alka-Seltzer commercial of 1969 ("Mamma mia, that's-a spicy meat-a ball-a!") is the best comparison. Beyond this, some of the dialogue in John William and Joyce Hooper Corrington's screenplay is a little kitschy - geared for Prime Time audiences, maybe, and not best storytelling judiciousness. Yet even recognizing the medium, by and large I think this is written and directed well, including the characters and the plot. By all means this is an example of a genre flick that's "fun-scary" and not "scary-scary," lacking the significant tension, suspense, or atmosphere that would elevate the title to another level. But that's okay if you ask me; not every horror film needs to be chilling or thrilling to succeed. Such as it is, I see plentiful worth in 'Killer bees' as the length progress, and abnormal goings-on accumulate and ramp up.

The cast is solid; Gloria Swanson is unquestionably having a blast as severe Madame Van Bohlen, and Kate Jackson shows swell capability as a lead. Uncomplicated as the whole affair is, I think the contributions of crew behind the scenes are quite fine (again noting the limitations of the special effects in this instance). I find no fault with Curtis Harrington's direction. Truth be told, I don't see any especial weakness here. Are there ways in which the tale could have been made more engaging, compelling, haunting? Yes, absolutely: I love the ending as it is, as delicious as those of some of my favorite horror movies - but to be sure, a longer and more definite character arc would have gone a long way to boosting the picture. All the same, though falling short of its best potential, I had a fantastic time watching 'Killer bees,' and it met my expectations just so. How much favor this finds with other viewers will mostly depend on willingness or ability to engage with TV movies, but if the toned down sensibilities are no obstacle, this is roundly entertaining in my book!

After a swarm of mysterious bees attacks and kills trespasser Jack Perkins on a grape field belonging to the "Van Bohlen Winery", handsome Edward Albert (as Edward Van Bohlen) drives into the town of "Von Bohlen" with pretty fiancée Kate Jackson (as Victoria Wells). The couple has been living in San Francisco for two years, and Ms. Jackson is newly pregnant. Although Mr. Albert has advised against it, Jackson is determined get acquainted with his weird and wealthy family.

Most importantly, Jackson meets queenly matriarch Gloria Swanson (as Maria Von Bohlen), who displays an affinity for bees. After both Roger Davis (as Helmut Van Bohlen), and a wayward bee disrupt the couple's first dinner, Jackson begins to regret her visit. Mr. Davis' news about the film's opening bee killing is only the beginning. Before getting out of "Von Bohlen", Jackson intends to tell "Madame" Swanson that, as Albert's pregnant lover, she already considers herself a part of the family.

Gloria Swanson, "Killer Bees", and two "Dark Shadows" alumni make this an irresistible TV movie event.

Swanson did "Bees" and the film "Airport 1975", after a long absence. The movie is, actually, a finer "performance" - but, at this point, it's just nice to see Swanson in anything. - Aside: I met her around this time and she seemed very capable of continuing her career. And, she looked more natural in person (without the gray hair). Swanson advised me against eating sugar; she said, "Sugar is poison." I followed her advice very strictly at first, and still won't add sugar to anything. I think she was correct.

"Angel" watchers note Kate Jackson is the "star" of this movie and is amazingly beautiful during the last act.

Jackson joined "Dark Shadows" during the "1995" storyline, and Roger Davis last appeared during the earlier "Leviathan" storyline; so, they never appeared together on the show. But, if you count the first "Dark Shadows" movie, they were regulars at the same time. Davis had been married Jaclyn Smith, another of "Charlie's Angels", since 1968. Jackson and "Bees" co-star Edward Albert were a great-looking couple who should have considered getting married - see them also in "Death Cruise" (1974). Small world, isn't it?

There seems to have been some confusion about whether to name the main family "Van Bohlen" or "Von Bohlen" - my guess is that the city sign is wrong, and it's supposed to be the more frequently pronounced "Van Bohlen". As far as the film goes, it's done well enough for a limited budget TV movie. How exactly do you direct bees? They can't have been easy, and Curtis Harrington deserves credit for putting some sting in the proceedings. Interestingly, the production design is by Joel Schumacher.

******** Killer Bees (2/26/74) Curtis Harrington ~ Kate Jackson, Edward Albert, Gloria Swanson, Roger Davis

Me and my third cousin Louis recently had a KILLER BEE movie night! It was amazing! We watched 4 bee movies in one night! It was UN-BEE-LEIVABLE! In all seriousness, Killer Bees should not be laughed at. This movie is a terrifying glimpse into the horrifying reality of the oncoming Killer Bee swarm making it's way here from Africa.

The film show-cases two power-house performances, one by the inimitable Gloria Swanson (who, IMHO out-does her cheesy over-the-top performance in Billy Wilder's over-rated SUNSET BOULEVARD)...and the 2nd by...

...THE BEES! The special effects wizards behind this wondrous vehicle of movie magic should be lauded and made kings of a small third world country for their glorious efforts on this terrifying thrill-ride. I was scared to leave my house for several days after the viewing of this film, I thought the bees were that realistic! The only downside to this is some embarrassing 1974-era haircuts. Thank God I was just a baby back then! 10 out of 10 for this great film. Take it from me, Dan "The Movie Man" Wolfson!!!!!