FRIGHTMARE [1974]

The FRIGHTMARE never ends if it’s genetic. After being convicted for cannibalism, Dorothy and her husband/accomplice Edmund are locked up in a mental institution for fifteen years. Upon release, Dorothy returns to her old ways, luring victims into her home for tarot card readings and executing them as she sees fit. Meanwhile, their daughter Jackie chains herself to the responsibility of looking after them. Jackie is also the guardian of her sister, Debra, who was born just prior to the time their parents were admitted. Jackie is violently pulled in three different directions as she attempts to build and maintain order for her family members, a loose-cannon stepmother, a weakened father, and an untamable sister. When Jackie meets Graham, an especially kind psychiatrist, he aims to liberate her from such strenuous obligation. Since Debra’s ornery behavior is Jackie’s main source of concern, Graham becomes acquainted with Debra in hopes of improving her attitude. He concludes he must bridge the gap between Debra and her estranged parents for substantial changes to occur. Unfortunately for Graham, he’s dealing with brain-craving psychos way beyond his level of expertise.

FRIGHTMARE drips, then bursts with bloody mayhem. Both the story and its characters are well-developed before we see the ravenous old hag terrorize, but the wait is worth it. Featuring weapons like a fire poker and a pitchfork, this flick offers thirst-quenching cruelty. Dorothy’s positively remorseless character is handled in an expertly creepy fashion, delivering a performance that will make your spine tingle for hours. She slyly chooses victims with no family or friends, deeming the lonely worthless. Dorothy’s disposition towards her hopeless prey rapidly moves from purely tranquil to downright malicious. The dialogue connects so beautifully with each scene, you could cut the atmosphere with a knife. From one setting to the next, the transitions are smooth and artfully done. There are a few mysteries that may eat at your mind from the beginning of the film, but the answers are eventually revealed, piece by piece, which makes for a shocking, slightly depressing end. FRIGHTMARE exhibits the fatal consequences of supplying love and loyalty to the wrong people in an unapologetic, ghastly manner.

Rating: 8/10
Director: Pete Walker [HOUSE OF WHIPCORD, SCHIZO]

Cast: Rupert Davies, Sheila Keith, Deborah Fairfax
Country: UK