Description

Produced and Directed by Pete Walker, 1974

Throughout his career, director Pete Walker was no stranger to controversy, but his 1974 film Frightmare sparked a firestorm of criticism from the protectors of public morals, who deemed it “despicable” (London Observer), “horrendous” (Evening News), and “a moral obscenity” (Daily Telegraph). In spite of the condemnation – or more likely, because of it – Frightmare has achieved almost legendary status in British horror history.

Sheila Keith stars as a former patient of a mental institution, who has settled down in a remote farmhouse, where she tells fortunes in her spare time. But the kind, maternal exterior conceals a dreadful monster, which the asylum, it seems, was unable to cure.

Extras

  • “For the sake of Cannibalism” an interview with Pete Walker by Elijah Drenner
  • Audio commentary by director Pete Walkerand DP Peter Jessop, conducted by Steve Chibnall,author of Making Mischief: The Cult Films of Pete Walker
  • “Sheila Keith: A Nice Old Lady?” a profile of the late actress,featuring interviews with her former collaborators
  • Original theatrical trailer

Film Details

  • Cast: Sheila Keith, Rupert Davies, Deborah Fairfax, Leo Genn