This Movie Can Only Be Described With One Word.

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Really Surprised!

One of the worst movies I've ever seen

Coming to her father's home after an almost fatal accident, his wheel- chair bound daughter finds him away, but her most gracious step-mother present to welcome here. Obviously, something is amiss, and no sooner has she settled in then she begins to claim to see her father's supposed corpse all over the grounds of the estate. What seems to be a traditional "Get your hands on the inheritance" plot turns into something a lot more deadly, and there's a lot of fun along the way in what is a fun, if obvious thriller. You've seen this plot in films time and time again, from the original "The Cat and the Canary" onto today. Susan Strasberg gives a sincere performance as the endangered heroine. Ann Todd, as the step-mother of wheelchair bound Strasberg, is outstanding as her character is developed and the truth is revealed. A famous horror villain is nothing more than a red herring, given a dark presence to cast instant suspicion as the villain. There are some really creepy moments throughout this thriller, and the conclusion may have you shrieking in both shock and laughter. Columbia had some tiny gems in the horror genre in the 1950's and 60's, and this is one of the best.

I thought I had seen all of the Hammer horrors but this was my first viewing of this little gem. I suppose it is a suspense thriller rather than horror but certainly has it's moments and even made me jump from my seat at one point. With a nod to Les Diaboliques, which was clearly an influence and inevitably to Hitchcock, who's own Psycho came out the same year and probably helped bury this film, this is nevertheless a most impressive black and white gem. Susan Strasberg and Ann Todd are excellent, helped by the largely good dialogue, but I was not always happy with Ronald Lewis and very disappointed with the Christopher Lee cameo, but then was he ever quite a s good as he thought he was?! Sacrilege, I know but sometimes I do wonder about his performances and to be honest if he couldn't do a convincing French accent then don't bother. Anyway, my personal gripe over, the film is still highly recommended.

Fade in: Two men are seen apparently fishing. But there is more going on than what meets the eye, as they do not reel in a fish. The quiet and picturesque yet eerie opening makes the viewer feel appropriately spooked.Credits, Fade in: Susan Strasberg, a young lady, probably in her 20s, is seen in a wheelchair, having arrived at a airport and being taken to her father's house. They have not known each other for years.She finds it odd that her father was not only not there to greet her at the airport but not at home when she gets there, given the fact he asked there, after years of separation. Only stepmother Ann Todd is at home, with the usual staff of a chauffeur and maids. Then, strange things begin to happen. She starts to see strange things. And, the subject of her paralysis and the accident is brought up by doctor and friend of her father Christopher Lee.I'm sure other reviewers have gone into more detail (but as a rule I don't read them so as to not influence what I write,) but to say any more of the plot would be robbing the first-time viewer from going into the movie fresh. It was great to see this for the first time knowing nothing, and I'm sure it will be better the second time around.Despite the little details I have gone into, I can say it is very chilling and downright unsettling in parts. I recommend this to all who want a scary and very fulfilling think piece and experience.

I caught this gem of a movie on TCM recently. "Scream of Fear" (or "Taste of Fear") released in 1961, a mystery/horror film that centers around a young woman named Penny (Susan Strasberg) confined to a wheelchair after a horse riding accident. She goes to visit her father, whom she has not seen in 9 years (and it is never really fully explained why). Anyway, her father lives on the French Riviera, and when Penny gets there, he is not there. Instead she encounters Jane (Ann Todd) her stepmother, who is so overly gracious and hospitable that the viewer can tell it is something of an act. There is also a handsome and helpful handyman/chaueffer Robert (Ronald Lewis). Penny becomes suspicious of her father's absence, and then begins seeing his corpse show up in various placed on the immense property. Everyone tells her she is imaging things, except Robert, who appears to be on her side (or is he?). The plot takes some twists and turns that are unexpected. I thought this was going to be a B-type movie, so common to this era of film making, but was pleasantly surprised it was so well made and acted. There are some things that don't quite make sense, like Penny suddenly thinking her father's corpse is being kept in a neglected pool (who would think such a thing?). One interesting aspect of the film is the obvious camera work playing up Robert's good looks -- he appears to be the sex object of the film, unusual by 1961 standards, when actresses were used in this way. In once scene, he appears in a skimpy bathing suit that doesn't leave much to the imagination! Strasberg's performance is calm and yet she can be hysterical when needed. Supporting cast members Ann Todd and Ronald Lewis are both good and Christopher Lee is also on hand as a creepy and sinister doctor. The ending of the film is a complete surprise, and totally blew me away. Check this one out -- you won't regret it.