MovieChat Forums > The Ballad of Tam Lin (1971) Discussion > McDowall Didn't Direct the Horror Versio...

McDowall Didn't Direct the Horror Version!

posted 18 years ago by dead_doll00
20 replies | jump to latest

As was stated during an interview some years back, Roddy never directed this movie. His script was completely different (definitely not meant to be a horror movie) but the company that bought it turned it around on him, turned it into a piece of crap, and slapped his name on as the director. From what I recall, he was quite humiliated and hated to ever speak of it. Though his own version was later made (Also called something along the lines on "Tam Lin") and released and is by far the superior of the two.

[–] caprice1221 11 years ago

You have proof this?

[–] a_heathen_conceivably 11 years ago

On Saturday last (July 27, 2013) I was fortunate to see "Tam Lin" actually inside the large house where much of the location filming was done - historic Traquair House in the Scottish Borders, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland no less. This was at the owners' now bi-annual Traquair Fair. The Maxwell-Stuart family (I think they've always owned it, 500+ years!) open much of the house and the grounds to the public for several months a year, so "Tam Lin" location-hunters are welcome!

Anyway, without a current DVD release, the film was shown from a DVD copy of a commercial VHS source. The tape has a filmed introduction with Roddy McDowall himself, talking about the production, Ava Gardner, Martin Scorsese rediscovering and championing it, having it restored, etc. - and I know what Roddy McDowall looks like, even under a ton of chimpanzee make-up! Having said that, he looked damn like [former US President] George 'Dubya' Bush. Dead Ringer in fact. I know some satirists thought GWB has a simian appearance, but I tell you, in that introduction Roddy was the spitting image of Dubya. That was a scarier experience than the film itself!

I asked one of the staff to pass on news of the upcoming US DVD and Blu-ray release, available for pre-order right now from the owners of IMDb [other online retailers are available].

"Oh look - a lovely spider! And it's eating a butterfly!"
'' ,,

[–] caprice1221 11 years ago

Tam Lin 1970 the movie gives Roddy McDowall credit when anyone can view the movie.

It was shown on Netflix so there has to be a DVD available or they would not show it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tam-Lin_(film)

Tam-Lin, also known as The Ballad of Tam-Lin, The Devil's Widow and The Devil's Woman, is a 1970 British film made by Commonwealth United Entertainment, Winkast Film Productions Ltd. and distributed by American International Pictures (AIP). It was directed by Roddy McDowall and produced by Alan Ladd, Jr. and Stanley Mann, from a screenplay by William Spier based on the traditional Scottish poem The Ballad of Tam Lin. The film had original music by Stanley Myers and was photographed by Billy Williams.
The film stars Ava Gardner and Ian McShane with Richard Wattis, Cyril Cusack, Stephanie Beacham, Sinéad Cusack and Joanna Lumley.

A newer release of this film (1998) (Republic Pictures Home Video) re-cut the film to be closer to Roddy McDowall's intention.

McDowall's direction of this film precluded him reprising his role as Cornelius in Beneath the Planet of the Apes, the only one of the original five Planet of the Apes films from which he is absent.

Ava Gardner as Michaela Cazaret
Ian McShane as Tom Lynn
Richard Wattis as Elroy
Cyril Cusack as Vicar Julian Ainsley
Stephanie Beacham as Janet Ainsley
David Whitman as Oliver
Fabia Drake as Miss Gibson
Sinéad Cusack as Rose
Joanna Lumley as Georgia
Jenny Hanley as Caroline
Madeline Smith as Sue

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tam_lin/

Drama, Horror
Directed By: Roddy McDowall
Written By: William Spier
On DVD: Apr 21, 1998

[–] a_heathen_conceivably 11 years ago

It was shown on Netflix so there has to be a DVD available or they would not show it.

I never said there wasn't, but I was unaware if there was. Anyway, according to Amazon.com, "Tam Lin" is to be released in the US on DVD September 24, 2013. How recently did Netflix show it - perhaps they had access to a pre-release or something? You seem to be such a fan I'm surprised that you do not yourself have a copy of this fabled DVD already. Sometimes, a film is shown in HD on TV here in the UK, and I look online for it on Blu-ray, and it's not out yet. I have a UK HDTV recording of Jacques Tournier's pirate adventure "Anne of the Indies", and it looks fantastic. Only it's out on Blu-ray in Germany, not yet the UK. It's not really worth arguing about anyway when "Tam Lin" is simultaneously being released on Blu-ray?

"Oh look - a lovely spider! And it's eating a butterfly!"
'' ,,

[–] caprice1221 11 years ago

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tam_lin/

Drama, Horror
Directed By: Roddy McDowall
Written By: William Spier
On DVD: Apr 21, 1998

[–] djsmokingjam 11 years ago

Just to clear up several misconceptions littering this thread:

1) The 1998 date refers only to the VHS - Tam Lin has never had an official DVD release before, so Olive are answering several fans' prayers on September 24th.

2) Lots and lots of films are on Netflix that never have (and likely never will) get a DVD release.

3) Roddy McDowell absolutely 100% directed Tam Lin - AIP only took the film away from him and cut their own version after it was finished.

[–] caprice1221 11 years ago

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tam_lin/

Drama, Horror
Directed By: Roddy McDowall
Written By: William Spier
On DVD: Apr 21, 1998

Rottentomatoes said it is on official DVD since 1998.

[–] djsmokingjam 11 years ago

Sit because this might be a shock... but Rotten Tomatoes is wrong.

[–] caprice1221 11 years ago

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tam_lin/

Movie Info
In this interesting horror movie, a pleasure-seeking noblewoman uses contemporary black magic to toy with the young lovers who surround her. The story is also known as The Devil's Widow and The Ballad of Tam-Lin. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

PG, 1 hr. 44 min.
Drama, Horror
Directed By: Roddy McDowall
Written By: William Spier

Djmokingjam, You do not show any link or proof in your statement....talk to William Spier, he claims it is on DVD.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Tam+Lin+Aka+The+Devil'S+Widow+-+Widescreen+-+DVD/21701168.p?id=26621&skuId=21701168

It is on sale on Bestbuy...on DVD

The Devil's Widow (DVD) 1971 not under Tam Lin, the UK's Title

SKU: 21701168 Release Date: 9/24/2013
Rating: PG-13
Customer Reviews: Be the first to write a review.
Director: Roddy McDowall

Tam Lin Aka The Devil'S Widow - Widescreen - Blu-ray Disc
Our Price: $24.99---It is available on Blue-ray Disc

It is not available in their stores at Best Buy but you can order it through Best Buy a DVD, VHS and Blue-ray Disc

[–] a_heathen_conceivably 11 years ago

Djmokingjam, You do not show any link or proof in your statement....talk to William Spier, he claims it is on DVD.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Tam+Lin+Aka+The+Devil'S+Widow+-+Widescreen +-+DVD/21701168.p?id=26621&skuId=21701168

It is on sale on Bestbuy...on DVD

The Devil's Widow (DVD) 1971 not under Tam Lin, the UK's Title

It is not on sale on BestBuy, it is available to Pre-Order only, for release scheduled on September 24, 2013. This is the same date provided by Amazon.com, whose website shows artwork for the film which clearly indicates the release title of "Tam Lin". Amazon has wisely listed the film under the title "Tam Lin Aka the Devil's Widow" presumably so that a product search under each title will find it http://www.amazon.com/Tam-Lin-Aka-Devils-Widow/dp/B00E21D8M0 Here's the Blu-ray: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E21DCBM God, I thought I was pedantic; I still win though, on attention to detail, I think.

"Oh look - a lovely spider! And it's eating a butterfly!"
'' ,,

[–] caprice1221 11 years ago

The Devil's Widow (DVD) 1971- exactly what I said. It is available on DVD and it at Bestbuy. You can order it for 19.00 dollars and it is available on Blue-ray 24.00 dollars.

[–] a_heathen_conceivably 11 years ago

Haven't you been arguing all along though, that it has already had a DVD release? I apologise if I have misinterpreted you. Others have asked for proof that a previous release is/was available. The Blu-ray is unquestionably a first.

"Oh look - a lovely spider! And it's eating a butterfly!"
'' ,,

[–] djsmokingjam 11 years ago

That Bestbuy link is to a pre-order of the new DVD/Blu-Ray from Olive Films, which is the first ever official release of Tam Lin on shiny disc (it has only been available on VHS previously). Try Googling for a previous release that isn't a bootleg from iOffer - you won't find one.

[–] caprice1221 11 years ago

Lets just say you are correct, they still paid Roddy McDowell, given him full credit on this film.

[–] a_heathen_conceivably 11 years ago

I've no problem with that at all - only last week I saw Tam Lin at Traquair House, the big white house featured in the film http://www.traquair.co.uk/traquair-fair-set-revisit-sixties.

They showed the film on DVD... COPIED FROM VHS!... (maybe they have rights as the main location?) including an introduction with a grey-haired Roddy himself, filmed around the millennium I think, looking scarily like George W. Bush's body-double (Dubya doesn't have an identical twin does he?)

You're the first person I've interacted with (away from Traquair) who's heard of the film, never mind actually seen it (and that was my first viewing). Incidentally, they sure don't know how to run a cinema, with amplified music outside, constant interruptions from disinterested latecomers; and I even had to chase away a couple of unaccompanied young girls, aged 8 or 9 I think with "you'd better leave before your parents find out what kind of film this is". That's even more illegal here (letting them in to a publicly shown film age-rated above them) than it is in the United States.

"Oh look - a lovely spider! And it's eating a butterfly!"
'' ,,

[–] caprice1221 11 years ago

It is an official copy DVD, it is not copied from VHS.

https://www.google.com/search?newwindow=1&safe=active&hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&q=devil's+widow+dvd&spell=1&sa=X&ei=tDT9Ub3EKsKqiQK-0YDgCA&ved=0CFAQBSgA&biw=1920&bih=955#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=jb6Vr0IVw06YSM%3A%3BpCEehouAKVsZfM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.hometheaterforum.com%252Fuploads%252Fpost-370059-0-89745800-1374250065.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.hometheaterforum.com%252Ftopic%252F305488-coming-soon-from-olive-films%252Fpage-101%3B1200%3B870

Here is the link shows Tam Lin on DVD.

http://www.ioffer.com/i/the-devil-s-widow-1970-dvd-ian-mcshane-ava-gardner-140810309

BALLAD OF TAM LIN 1970 Based on the ancient Scottish ballad "Tam Lin", the plot concerns an aging, beautiful woman who uses her wealth (and occasionally, witchcraft) to control a decadent pack of attractive young people she surrounds herself with. But when her latest young stud falls for the local vicar's daughter, she vows revenge. Directed by Roddy McDowall.

Picture Quality 8.5/10 Widescreen, In English with no subtitles.

The disc is region free and recorded on a quality DVD-R , comes with a case and artwork as pictured.

Shipping in U.S. and Canada is $4.99 , and $3.00 for each additional discs.

International Shipping is $7.00 , and $5.00 for each additional disc.

Orders ship out 2-3 days after payment is received.

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=8999280

Tam Lin DVD
Widescreen; Remastered

Our Price: $20.49

Tam Lin movie is scheduled to be released Sep 24, 2013 by the Olive Films studio. They called her the Devil's Widow. Tam Lin DVD for sale she drained them of their manhood and then of their lives! Legendary Hollywood goddess, Ava Gardner (One Touch of Venus) delivers a mesmerizing performance in director Roddy McDowall's wickedly suspenseful tale of decadent young thrill-seekers and the sinister seductress who holds them spellbound. Tam Lin movie Amid the dawn-to-dusk revelry at the fabulous country estate of wealthy and sophisticated Mrs. Tam Lin video Cazaret (Gardner), the impulsive Tom Lynn (Ian McShane, TV's Deadwood) discovers that being the life of this party. could have murderous consequences. The top-notch cast includes Stephanie Beacham (TV's The Colbys, Dynasty), Cyril Cusack (Fahrenheit 451), Richard Wattis (The Importance of Being Ernest) and Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous). Acting great Roddy McDowall's one and only directorial effort. Beautifully shot in scope by Billy Williams (Gandhi).

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tam_lin/

This maybe the official British release not United States

Movie Info
In this interesting horror movie, a pleasure-seeking noblewoman uses contemporary black magic to toy with the young lovers who surround her. The story is also known as The Devil's Widow and The Ballad of Tam-Lin. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

PG, 1 hr. 44 min.
Drama, Horror
Directed By: Roddy McDowall
Written By: William Spier
On DVD: Apr 21, 1998

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-the-devils-widow-peter-hinwood/3622045?ean=887090064507

The Devil's Widow
Director: Roddy McDowall
Cast: Peter Hinwood, Oliver Norman
Pin It Add to List +
Overview In this interesting horror movie, a pleasure-seeking noblewoman uses contemporary black magic to toy with the young lovers who surround her. The story is also known as The Devil's Widow and The Ballad of Tam-Lin. ... See more details below
Eligible for FREE SHIPPING details
Available for Pre-Order
This item will be available on September 24, 2013. details
DVD (Remastered / Wide Screen)
$19.58
Save 21% $24.99
Pre-Order

[–] a_heathen_conceivably 11 years ago

Caprice1221 dear, no it was not official, they copied it themselves. I was told there were no chapter stops and... I know what VHS raggedy edges and tape drop-outs look like.

I told the guide in charge of admissions to the film on day two (after I had complained over their total lack of control and warned them they could be fined for breaking the law over the underage admissions) that the film was soon to be released on DVD and Blu-ray in the US. I was thanked for the info and direct Amazon link URL. I cheekily said that the Maxwell-Stuarts, the wealthy aristo owners of the mansion whose family have owned and lived in the house for over 500 years (it's Scotland's oldest inhabited house, a major tourist attraction in the Scottish Borders) could afford a multi-region Blu-ray player. I was told that they had a large house to run. My reply? "Well aren't they the lucky ones!"

"Oh look - a lovely spider! And it's eating a butterfly!"
'' ,,

[–] caprice1221 11 years ago

no it was release in Britian 1998. They cannot copy their British Vhs to DVD. British Vhs is different than ours Vhs.

How do I know this? Well, British friend sent me a VHS tape with Sir Paul McCartney could not play it with American VHS Tape player. I had to use a British VHS Tape player to see the Sir Paul McCartney

Besides it had to be DVD to be play on Netflix....which was this fall 2012. I saw the movie for the first time on Netflix.

Netflix only show movies which is on DVD, so you can rent it from them or buy it from them.

[–] a_heathen_conceivably 11 years ago

I am in Scotland which, at least until 2015, is in Britain. Traquair House is in Scotland. If I can copy a British VHS to DVD in Britain and play it in Britain, then so can they.

"Oh look - a lovely spider! And it's eating a butterfly!"
'' ,,

[–] caprice1221 11 years ago

Netflix cannot copy vhs to dvd it is illegal to show it on the stream paid film site. They do not show Vhs at all.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A1Q05T4/ref=atv_feed_catalog?tag=imdb-amazonvideo-20

Synopsis: Based upon the Celtic legend Tam Lin, a young man is bewitched by a beautiful, heartless, aging sorceress to become her lover. When his attention wanders to a lovely girl, he is doomed to ritual sacrifice by the sorceress.
Starring: Ava Gardner, Ian McShane
Supporting actors: Cyril Cusack, Bruce Robinson
Directed by: Roddy McDowall
Genre: Horror
Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes
Captions and Subtitles: Details
Studio: Paramount
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for some sexuality/nudity, thematic elements, violence and smoking (re-rating) (2013)
ASIN: B00A1Q05T4
Rights & Requirements
Format: Amazon Instant Video (streaming online video and digital download)

Accordingly Amazon the release 2013 is to change the film rating. In 1970 it was rated R and now PG13. Amazon gives full credit to Roddy McDowall as the director....no other director is given the credit.

Roddy McDowall love directing this movie but hated the cost in filming in Scotland. He still wish Elizabeth Taylor had accepted the role. He believes Ava Gardner was not able to bring it across as the perfect aging beauty. She able to come across as desperate in her sexual needs for Ian's Tam Lin or Tom Lyn.