Terrific TV-made vehicle for movie icon Gloria Swanson, a compact and beautifully-shot melodrama-cum-thriller. Gloria plays an outré California oddball living on a vineyard ranch and possessing a strange hold over the bees that hover there. Grandson Edward Albert and girlfriend Kate Jackson (who were dating in real-life at the time) come for a visit and get more than they bargained for. Not "The Swarm", but better; school buses and flower paraders are not interjected, and there is no mass hysteria. Credit director Curtis Harrington with the panache, and Gloria Swanson with the campy kicks--she's mah-vah-loss. It's an atmospheric mood-piece, and the rural locales are refreshing.
15 Reviews
Our Vines Have Terror Bees
HarlowMGM21 August 2013
KILLER BEES is usually mainly remembered for being one of the last roles of film legend Gloria Swanson's career (although she remained very much in the public eye long afterward and did not pass away until 1983). Swanson aficionados may be disappointed on first viewing that hers is a showy but decidedly supporting role in a film dominated by the young Kate Jackson but it's a memorable performance.
Kate Jackson and Edward Albert are a young San Francisco couple living together while he is in college. Jackson talks Albert into bringing her to visit his mysterious family estate - which he hasn't been to for a few years - in California's vineyard country. Jackson learns the Van Bohlens are an extremely reclusive lot who don't like visitors and besides the vineyards raise a rather ominous bunch of bees, some of whom just so happened to have killed a trespasser on the estate the same day as the couple's arrival. Jackson attempts at warmth toward Albert's father (Craig Stevens) and brothers are coolly rebuffed and then there's his imposing immigrant grandmother Gloria Swanson who is literally the queen bee, not only of the family but creepy little buzzers that are all over the place. The question is does this family control the killer bees or is it the other way around?
Somewhat reminiscent of Hitchcock's THE BIRDS, KILLER BEES is an effective if uneven suspense horror, it's main problem being an obviously rushed production leading to a few less than smooth takes and a few weak performances among some of the supporting players (even among the extras many of whom seem only mildly interested as the threatening bees begin to engulf the church were funeral services are being held). Jackson is quite good in this and Edward Albert even better. Albert, handsome but with an bit of an odd vibe about him despite being a "good guy", is very well cast. Craig Stevens and Roger Davis don't have that much to do but give an air of chilly menace and certainly Miss Swanson gives her all to this imposing matriarch and creates a memorably Gothic character. There are several very well staged suspenseful scenes, notably the funeral (effective despite the extras) and particularly the climax as the bees take over the house while Jackson is home alone and Swanson's interactions with the bees (whom are like pets to her) are superbly filmed. Definitely worth seeking out if one has interest in the genre or cast.
Kate Jackson and Edward Albert are a young San Francisco couple living together while he is in college. Jackson talks Albert into bringing her to visit his mysterious family estate - which he hasn't been to for a few years - in California's vineyard country. Jackson learns the Van Bohlens are an extremely reclusive lot who don't like visitors and besides the vineyards raise a rather ominous bunch of bees, some of whom just so happened to have killed a trespasser on the estate the same day as the couple's arrival. Jackson attempts at warmth toward Albert's father (Craig Stevens) and brothers are coolly rebuffed and then there's his imposing immigrant grandmother Gloria Swanson who is literally the queen bee, not only of the family but creepy little buzzers that are all over the place. The question is does this family control the killer bees or is it the other way around?
Somewhat reminiscent of Hitchcock's THE BIRDS, KILLER BEES is an effective if uneven suspense horror, it's main problem being an obviously rushed production leading to a few less than smooth takes and a few weak performances among some of the supporting players (even among the extras many of whom seem only mildly interested as the threatening bees begin to engulf the church were funeral services are being held). Jackson is quite good in this and Edward Albert even better. Albert, handsome but with an bit of an odd vibe about him despite being a "good guy", is very well cast. Craig Stevens and Roger Davis don't have that much to do but give an air of chilly menace and certainly Miss Swanson gives her all to this imposing matriarch and creates a memorably Gothic character. There are several very well staged suspenseful scenes, notably the funeral (effective despite the extras) and particularly the climax as the bees take over the house while Jackson is home alone and Swanson's interactions with the bees (whom are like pets to her) are superbly filmed. Definitely worth seeking out if one has interest in the genre or cast.
I Got Stung by Kate Jackson and Gloria Swanson
wes-connors23 May 2009
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
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
Boring Bees Is More Like It
Michael_Elliott8 October 2016
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.
** (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.
KILLER BEES {TV} (Curtis Harrington, 1974) **
Bunuel19762 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The invasion of a community by a swarm of deadly bees was, for a time, a popular commodity in genre cinema: this was preceded by Freddie Francis' THE DEADLY BEES (1966) and followed by THE SAVAGE BEES (1976; TV), its sequel TERROR OUT OF THE SKY (1978; TV) and Irwin Allen's inflated all-star fiasco THE SWARM (1978). Frankly, I never understood this situation's appeal, as the sight of people fleeing for their lives from badly-processed insects (as in the film under review) was always prone to elicit laughter as opposed to the intended terror! Anyway, here we get the added – but equally dubious – treat of having the leading family of the locale (after whom it is named!) as the bees' keepers
or, rather as one of them opines, it is the other way round! In fact, matriarch Gloria Swanson (in her much-publicized TV debut) is constantly surrounded by them – until it is time to pass the baton to another, younger woman and, since her direct relations all happen to be male, her successor ends up being one of their number's girlfriend (played by Kate Jackson, later one of TV's CHARLIE'S ANGELS)! Still, the fact that the reason behind the African killer bees' mass migration to the U.S. – apart from the declaration that their particular honey gives the "Van Bohlen" wine an extra sweet taste! – is never properly delineated hurts the overall effort (to say nothing of its credibility quotient).
Two bees, or two million bees. That is the question.
mark.waltz1 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Wearing a Sonia Henie wig from the 1940's dyed gray, the legendary Gloria Swanson had her last acting role as a domineering matriarch of a California grape dynasty not obsessed with making the best wine a la Angela Channing of "Falcon Crest", but with the bees that buzz around the vineyard. When grandson Edward Albert shows up with fiancee Kate Jackson, the battle lines are drawn between the two women, especially when Jackson informs her of the living arrangements she had with Albert for the previous two years. Meanwhile, several unrelated accidents in the valley involving the bees create suspicion for Jackson who believes that something more is going on than just random bee attacks.
Strange, nonsensical horror nonsense broadcast originally in the family hour as part of the movie of the week, this just gets more bizarre as it goes on. A scene in a church is laughable, and the hints of Swanson using the bees as a tool of her revenge (just watch as they stalk Jackson) is even more ludicrous. Bad special effects of bees suddenly appearing in the sky (obviously blobs of black paint dots) is another element of this film's flaws. Swanson greatly overacts in her one big dramatic scene, made up so ludicrously that I'm surprised that Mel Brooks didn't try to spoof this with Cloris Leachman, or Carol Burnett on her TV show. An absolute travesty in TV movie making.
Strange, nonsensical horror nonsense broadcast originally in the family hour as part of the movie of the week, this just gets more bizarre as it goes on. A scene in a church is laughable, and the hints of Swanson using the bees as a tool of her revenge (just watch as they stalk Jackson) is even more ludicrous. Bad special effects of bees suddenly appearing in the sky (obviously blobs of black paint dots) is another element of this film's flaws. Swanson greatly overacts in her one big dramatic scene, made up so ludicrously that I'm surprised that Mel Brooks didn't try to spoof this with Cloris Leachman, or Carol Burnett on her TV show. An absolute travesty in TV movie making.
A lot of nonsense....
planktonrules2 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
odd accent from Swanson African wines...African bees!!!
To me, "Killer Bees" is perhaps the dumbest or among the dumbest installments of "The ABC Movie of the Week". It's got a plot that is pretty weird (even for the series) but just isn't a particularly enjoyable film.
The film begins with a bunch of bees from Van Bohlen family estate killing a guy who is a total idiot and rather deserved it! In the next scene, Edward (Edward Albert, not his father Eddie) has brought his partner, Victoria (Kate Jackson), to visit with his family. He's NOT thrilled about it but she is eager to meet everyone. However, they turn out to be an unfriendly lot and the family matriarch (Gloria Swanson) a bit weird on top of all that. They have a secret and it involves Gloria being the queen bee!
To me, this film was a waste of talent and the big surprise at the end was just rather dumb. Perhaps you'll enjoy it...I just thought I had wasted about 75 minutes of my life.
To me, "Killer Bees" is perhaps the dumbest or among the dumbest installments of "The ABC Movie of the Week". It's got a plot that is pretty weird (even for the series) but just isn't a particularly enjoyable film.
The film begins with a bunch of bees from Van Bohlen family estate killing a guy who is a total idiot and rather deserved it! In the next scene, Edward (Edward Albert, not his father Eddie) has brought his partner, Victoria (Kate Jackson), to visit with his family. He's NOT thrilled about it but she is eager to meet everyone. However, they turn out to be an unfriendly lot and the family matriarch (Gloria Swanson) a bit weird on top of all that. They have a secret and it involves Gloria being the queen bee!
To me, this film was a waste of talent and the big surprise at the end was just rather dumb. Perhaps you'll enjoy it...I just thought I had wasted about 75 minutes of my life.
TV bees
BandSAboutMovies19 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
When I was a kid in the 70s, killer bees were all we heard of. They were obviously going to get us and a story on the news every night for years and then, well...nothing ever happened.
The ABC Movie of the Week on February 26, 1974, The Killer Bees, directed by Curtis Harrington and written by former lawyer John William Corrington and his wife Joyce Hooper, who teamed to write the scripts for Von Richthofen and Brown, The Omega Man, Boxcar Bertha, The Arena and Battle for the Planet of the Apes, as well as several soap operas and the syndicated show Superior Court.
Edward Van Bohlen (Edward Albert) has stayed away from his wine making family until his girlfriend Victoria Wells (Kate Jackson) asks him to go back home and try to reconnect. We all know that you can't go home again and when your family uses African bees to make your wine better, well, you really should in no way go back home again.
Madame Van Bohlen (Gloria Swanson) not only runs the family and the winery, but the bees as well. She's able to command them to kill everyone that she sees as a threat, but when she dies, who will the bees follow?
Bette Davis was originally going to be the star of the movie, but her doctor worried that she'd o into anaphylactic shock if she was stung by a bee. As for Gloria Swanson, she was so game for this movie that she agreed to have bees placed all over her body. To create this moment, the bees were taken in a dry ice room to make them tired, then gradually warmed once they were put on Ms. Swanson's costume.
The wine that got made by the Van Bohlen's must have been good, because their home is now the place where noted wine maker - and yes, director - Francis Ford Coppola lives.
The ABC Movie of the Week on February 26, 1974, The Killer Bees, directed by Curtis Harrington and written by former lawyer John William Corrington and his wife Joyce Hooper, who teamed to write the scripts for Von Richthofen and Brown, The Omega Man, Boxcar Bertha, The Arena and Battle for the Planet of the Apes, as well as several soap operas and the syndicated show Superior Court.
Edward Van Bohlen (Edward Albert) has stayed away from his wine making family until his girlfriend Victoria Wells (Kate Jackson) asks him to go back home and try to reconnect. We all know that you can't go home again and when your family uses African bees to make your wine better, well, you really should in no way go back home again.
Madame Van Bohlen (Gloria Swanson) not only runs the family and the winery, but the bees as well. She's able to command them to kill everyone that she sees as a threat, but when she dies, who will the bees follow?
Bette Davis was originally going to be the star of the movie, but her doctor worried that she'd o into anaphylactic shock if she was stung by a bee. As for Gloria Swanson, she was so game for this movie that she agreed to have bees placed all over her body. To create this moment, the bees were taken in a dry ice room to make them tired, then gradually warmed once they were put on Ms. Swanson's costume.
The wine that got made by the Van Bohlen's must have been good, because their home is now the place where noted wine maker - and yes, director - Francis Ford Coppola lives.
I liked it more than I should
bensonmum216 October 2018
The quick pitch: Gloria Swanson plays Madame Maria von Bohlen, matriarch of a family of South African winemakers. Madame (as her family calls her) controls almost all aspects of the family, the wine business, and even the bees, so integral to the family's success. But when her black sheep son turns-up with a finance in tow, Madame and the bees don't respond too well.
Overall, Killer Bees is about what you'd expect from a 1974 made-for-TV movie - typical made-for-TV cast, poor (and I mean really poor) special effects, and not nearly enough horror for a horror movie (it needed more bee attacks). But one thing Killer Bees has going for it is that final twist in the last act. I'm not going to spoil it - I'll just say that it belongs in a much better movie. It really was a nice finish to what was otherwise a fairly routine film. Nice enough to get a 6/10 from me.
I suppose there are two other things I enjoyed about Killer Bees. First, I always enjoy seeing my favorite of Charlie's Angels, Kate Jackson. Her acting in the final moments of Killer Bees was never better. Second, watching Gloria Swanson in Killer Bees was a real treat. Several times, I thought she was going into full-on Norma Desmond-mode as she overacted her way through this cheap, TV film. Good stuff!
Overall, Killer Bees is about what you'd expect from a 1974 made-for-TV movie - typical made-for-TV cast, poor (and I mean really poor) special effects, and not nearly enough horror for a horror movie (it needed more bee attacks). But one thing Killer Bees has going for it is that final twist in the last act. I'm not going to spoil it - I'll just say that it belongs in a much better movie. It really was a nice finish to what was otherwise a fairly routine film. Nice enough to get a 6/10 from me.
I suppose there are two other things I enjoyed about Killer Bees. First, I always enjoy seeing my favorite of Charlie's Angels, Kate Jackson. Her acting in the final moments of Killer Bees was never better. Second, watching Gloria Swanson in Killer Bees was a real treat. Several times, I thought she was going into full-on Norma Desmond-mode as she overacted her way through this cheap, TV film. Good stuff!
Haunting Tale of a Family Possessed by Bees
Carrigon23 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I had the opportunity to rewatch this film recently. I hadn't seen it since I was a child, and yet, this story always stayed with me.
The movie is about a couple, Edward and Victoria, who return to Edward's family home. He wants Victoria to meet his family before they get married. But his family holds a strange, dark secret.
The mysterious connection to the bees, it never really gets explained other than that the bees protect the family and the female head of the family can control them.
I really liked Kate Jackson in this movie. And they actually used real bees for most of it.
It's a really nice, creepy old made for TV movie, well worth the watch. I would love to see it remade some day.
The movie is about a couple, Edward and Victoria, who return to Edward's family home. He wants Victoria to meet his family before they get married. But his family holds a strange, dark secret.
The mysterious connection to the bees, it never really gets explained other than that the bees protect the family and the female head of the family can control them.
I really liked Kate Jackson in this movie. And they actually used real bees for most of it.
It's a really nice, creepy old made for TV movie, well worth the watch. I would love to see it remade some day.
Moderate camp value
mls418220 August 2021
Fun & well written, even though it shows its age
I_Ailurophile29 October 2022
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!
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!
one of the greatest killer bees movies i have ever seen
mystflexagon11 April 2005
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
"The Family Is Everything!"...
azathothpwiggins30 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
In the small town of Bohlen, when a man is swarmed and killed by stinging insects, we know the KILLER BEES are responsible. Young Edward Van Bohlen (Edward Albert) returns with fiancee Victoria Wells (Kate Jackson), so Victoria can meet the family at the Van Bohlen estate and winery.
Unbeknownst to Victoria, as we were shown at the beginning, the winery is also ground zero for KILLER BEES! But wait! It's Fall! What are bees doing out? Shouldn't they be in their hive, sitting by a tiny fireplace?
At first, Victoria has nothing to fear, other than an uncomfortable dinner with the Van Bohlen clan, including the cranky Madame Van Bohlen (Gloria Swanson), who seems to have a special relationship with her buzzy friends. She even allows them to crawl all over her, and keeps them in a little replica of the Van Bohlen mansion!
When another fatal attack occurs, Victoria begins to wonder what's going on. Then, more tragedy strikes, when Victoria reveals a secret to Madam Van Bohlen. Will Victoria ever figure out that she should be several counties away by now?
Luckily, this is a Curtis Harrington production, so there's a nice, creepy twist at the end. Harrington, like Dan Curtis, worked well, within the constraints of network television.
EXTRA BONUS POINTS FOR: The "killer bees crash the funeral" scene!
More 1970's made-for-TV horror gold!...
Unbeknownst to Victoria, as we were shown at the beginning, the winery is also ground zero for KILLER BEES! But wait! It's Fall! What are bees doing out? Shouldn't they be in their hive, sitting by a tiny fireplace?
At first, Victoria has nothing to fear, other than an uncomfortable dinner with the Van Bohlen clan, including the cranky Madame Van Bohlen (Gloria Swanson), who seems to have a special relationship with her buzzy friends. She even allows them to crawl all over her, and keeps them in a little replica of the Van Bohlen mansion!
When another fatal attack occurs, Victoria begins to wonder what's going on. Then, more tragedy strikes, when Victoria reveals a secret to Madam Van Bohlen. Will Victoria ever figure out that she should be several counties away by now?
Luckily, this is a Curtis Harrington production, so there's a nice, creepy twist at the end. Harrington, like Dan Curtis, worked well, within the constraints of network television.
EXTRA BONUS POINTS FOR: The "killer bees crash the funeral" scene!
More 1970's made-for-TV horror gold!...
Hammer-like bee movie
lanechaffin-964-631904 September 2023
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.
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