Scream of Fear
Directed by Seth Holt
Written by Jimmy Sangster
1961/UK
Hammer Films
First viewing/Netflix rental
[box] Penny Appleby: [to Dr. Gerrard] You say my mind is affecting my legs. You’re wrong. It’s my legs that are affecting my mind.[/box]
Hammer Picture goes into Hitchcock and Clouzot territory with this psychological thriller. The film does not near the level of the masters but is interesting and worth seeing.
Paraplegic Penny Appleby (Susan Strasberg) has not seen her father since his divorce from her mother nine years earlier. He now invites her to his estate in France. But on arrival, she is informed that he has gone away on business. His new wife (Ann Todd) is very friendly and wants Penny to have a good time. The visit will hardly be that.
Almost immediately, Penny begins seeing her father – dead – in the strangest places. The father’s psychiatrist friend (Christopher Lee) questions her sanity and even suggests that her paralysis is psychosomatic. The only person willing to help her is Robert, the chauffeur. It would be criminal to delve further into the plot.
The plot may seem a tad predictable to viewers with a lot of thrillers under their belts but there are some surprises and actual thrills for everyone. The film also boasts an awesome creepy atmosphere. I’m glad I was able to see it.
