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‘Wicker Man’ director upset at remake

United Press International
By United Press International
1 Min Read Sept. 11, 2005 | 21 years Ago
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The director of the Scottish cult classic "The Wicker Man" wants his name removed from a Hollywood remake.

Robin Hardy told Scotland on Sunday promotional material for the movie due out next year credits him as screenwriter for the 1973 original, although Anthony Shaffer was the actual writer.

"I have had to have my lawyers call them, not because I particularly care, but it's clearly wrong that it should be out on Web sites and in the trades and everything," Hardy said.

The original starred Edward Woodward as a puritanical police officer sent to a remote island to investigate a young woman's disappearance, and Christopher Lee as the mysterious pagan Lord Summerisle, a role the veteran actor believes was his best.

The original "Wicker Man" was a commercial flop that has taken on a life of its own, even featuring an annual festival.

The new version moves the action to Maine and stars Nicholas Cage with Ellen Burstyn in the Christopher Lee part.

"I don't quite understand what they're doing," Hardy said. "It appears that not only is the lady involved, but there are also attacks by killer bees, which sounds like a really old-style horror film."

© Copyright 2005 by United Press International

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