Antony Balch, a pioneering figure in British film distribution, left an indelible mark on the industry during the 1960s and 1970s. He garnered widespread recognition for his unique approach to acquiring and rebranding European art and exploitation films, often renaming them with catchy English titles that would pique the interest of potential audiences. Notable examples of his rebranded films include "Weird Weirdo" and "Don't Deliver Us From Evil".
Beyond his work in film distribution, Balch is also celebrated for his innovative approach to sound design. He is perhaps best known for creating a new audio version of Benjamin Christensen's 1922 silent documentary classic, Häxan. To create this unique interpretation, Balch replaced the original intertitles with a commentary provided by his friend and collaborator, the renowned author William S. Burroughs. This partnership marked the beginning of Balch's film career, which would go on to include the production of several short films with Burroughs.
Towers Open Fire (1966) and The Cut Ups (1966) were two shorts that showcased Balch's creative vision and his ability to bring Burroughs' writing technique to life on the big screen. These films served as an extension of Burroughs' literary work, demonstrating Balch's skill in translating the author's unique style into a visual medium.
Balch's feature film career was marked by two surreal and Burroughs-influenced productions: Bizarre (1970) and Horror Hospital (1973). The former was a dreamlike exploration of the human psyche, while the latter was a comedic horror film that showcased Balch's ability to blend genres and create something truly unique.
