This is one of Hammer's best 1960s efforts in the 'thriller' category - a tight script by Jimmy Sangster, crisp B&W photography, good music, creepy mise-en-scene, and excellent performances from Strasberg, Lee, Lewis and the ever-lovely Ann Todd.
This one's worth a re-watch every few years, and knowing how it all comes out doesn't make revisiting it any less interesting.
"Remind me to tell you about the time I looked into the heart of an artichoke."
a cracking film i watched again the other night.called "scream of fear" here in the uk i think as a psychological thriller its excellent with a nice clever twist........only one bugbear,,,that swimming pool sure is long and deep.......lol
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I agree with the Op.I just watched it as part of the Hammer Horror collection and found it really creepy and well made.
shareThis has become a favorite of mine to pop in when I intend to go to sleep. Not that I find it boring; I think it's a well executed little psychodrama or whatever those lets-drive-so-and-so-crazy movies are called. I've just seen it so many times I know the plot twists, but I love the atmosphere and music and Susan Strasberg's sexy voice and I can look upon her beautiful petite frame a few times before I fall asleep.
I find the very end a little strange though. The police and everyone who apparently witness the final "act" seem to take it pretty casually. I would think there'd be a bit of panic and rushing around, but maybe that cliff is higher than the shot looking down would indicate.
I also think there's a bit of disingenuous editing in the scene where Penny and her dad go for a drive. Penny's point-of-view shot seems to indicate conclusively that what actually happened couldn't possibly HAVE happened. I'm talking about the view of the scenery rapidly moving up and trying not to spoil....
I agree. I try to watch all the old thrillers and I find most of them to be not so entertaining. It is such a nice surprise to find ones like this.I had never heard of it before. Can you suggest any others? I also just watched The Window with Bobby Driscol. It was great as well.
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