Synopsis for
The Wicker Man (1973) More at IMDbPro »

A hard-nosed, deeply religious Police Sergeant, Neil Howie (Edward Woodward) receives information that a young girl has gone missing. This is told in an anonymous letter from Summerisle, a remote island off the coast of Scotland. The Sergeant flies to Summerisle to investigate.

He shows a photo of the missing girl to the locals, but they deny her existence. Howie starts noticing the islander's bizarre customs and lifestyle with increasing incredulity. Eventually, he meets Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee), who explains that they are all practicing Pagans. Howie is deeply offended, and accuses them of murdering the girl as part of a bizarre ritual. He then attempts to leave the island in order to report his suspicions to the chief constable of the West Highland Constabulary, but finds that his plane has been sabotaged.

Cleverly attempting to catch the islanders at whatever twisted game they are playing with the girl (whom he decides is still alive, but destined to be sacrificed), Howie is instead snared by the islanders. They imprison him in a giant "Wicker Man" and light it afire. It is their belief that his virginal, Christian life will appease their Pagan gods, and bring bounty to the next harvest.