365horror

This is a disturbing thriller from the early 70’s focusing on a young blind woman, pestered by gypsies in her country manor.

This should have been a great film. It has a real classy look and feel, Richard Fleischer as director creates an atmosphere of suspense and unease and urges a brilliant performance out of Mia Farrow who, here is excellent, but it’s not really enough for the viewer. The film is slow in places, central almost grinding to a halt. The charm falls out of the film mid way, but re-emerges with a jolt for one of the best scenes I have ever viewed as Sara, the blind woman wanders around her place, dead bodies all over the place, one in the bath even as she fills with hot water. Brilliant imagery. The villain only being recognised from a dodgy pair of cowboy boots is a great hook too.

The countryside of Berkshire, England is the back drop here and there is a host of old actors which I recognise from 70’s TV shows, like the Sweeny and Minder.

Good shocking ending too.