Shameless Self Expression

Kieron Moore escapes from a mental asylum after being convicted of murder. He apparently suffered amnesia thus avoided prison. Now his wife (Lois Maxwell) is scared stiff that he’ll come looking for her, as she’s moved on to another man (Bill Travers) in the intervening years. A friend of the escaped man believes him to be innocent and turns to Paul Henreid for help. A lawyer by trade and former intelligence man, Henreid begins to suspect Moore is actually looking for the real killer to clear his name. Kay Kendall (in fine form as ever) plays Henreid’s helpful secretary and fiancé, whilst Hammer veteran Barbara Shelley makes her screen debut in a small part.   A good cast can’t do much to liven up this stiff, thoroughly routine 1953 Hammer film from director Terence Fisher ( “The Curse of Frankenstein” , “The Horror of Dracula” ), who co-writes with Paul Tabori ( “Spaceways” , “Alias John Preston” ). Based on a novel by Elleston Trevor, the plot isn’t anywhere near compelling ...

In the French countryside, two pretty young ladies stumble upon a castle inhabited by the title alluring witch (played by Dominique Delpierre) who claims to have the secret to eternal youth. However, the price for being awarded such a gift is complete servitude. Alfred Baillou plays Morgana’s eye-liner wearing hunchback companion named Gurth.   If you enjoyed Jesus Franco’s “Vampyros Lesbos” (and if you didn’t, you’re objectively wrong), you’ll probably enjoy this semi-obscure 1971 French film from director Bruno Gantillon (who directed an episode of the “Highlander” TV series) and co-writer Jacques Chaumelle ( “Emanuelle e Lolita” ). I mean, there’s nudity from the opening scene, and although not really anymore explicit than the aforementioned Franco classic, the sapphic content on display here is almost wall-to-wall. Yeah I liked this one, not gonna lie.   There’s not a lot in the way of plot or character, this one makes up for that with mood and pastel colours. An...