Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire

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DanTheMan 2 Unquestionably, the only western vampire snooker musical in cinematic history, Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire, certainly deserves plaudits for sheer originality. It seems an unlikely project for gritty realism specialists Trevor Preston and Alan Clarke, studded with snooker in-jokes and incredible songs (someone seriously release a soundtrack please), the film carries with it a wonderfully surreal and bizarrely humorous vibe even if it has sod all to do with vampires. Clarke's ultra-stylistic approach to the material, staged in a series of near-abstract, claustrophobic indoor rooms and corridors, only adds to the film's charm; you may be reminded of other films, but the reality is that there's nothing to compare it to... it works because everyone is on board with what this film is, it's broad, cartoonish even, but well-judged, never toppling over into self-parody, the whole thing feels like an ambitious stage musical or rock opera. Performance-wise, Phil Daniels and Alun Armstrong flesh out the title characters with memorable vigour, though the standout is easily Bruce Payne as T.O., Billy's gambling-addict manager, who is easily the film's most complex and sympathetic character. But the film's major creative contribution comes from composer George Fenton, whose catchy score is as varied as the film itself is monochromatic, including witty nods to country & western and even opera. Shooting snooker balls into pockets with the help of a revolver, Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire sends itself up with an obvious glee, one you'll be hard pressed not to be laughing silly with the entire time. I can easily see this being adapted for the stage one day. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/03/25 Full Review Kevin T Very film noir. A mixture of cheesy songs, sung ok by most of the main cast, a few good singers. A bit weird to mash up snooker and musicals but reasonably well done for what it was Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 07/23/23 Full Review Matthew Once seen, never forgotten Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Phil Daniels goes against Alun Armstrong in a snooker contest set up by gangsters. Alan Clarke's most unique, stylish, horror, comedy, musical, drama! It is very hard to believe this came from the director of 'Scum', 'Made in Britain' and 'The Firm' but whether you are put off by the whole thing one cannot deny the film's own 'uniqueness!' Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member Green Stamps, green stamps Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire

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