3/28/06

Shriek Show has begun their series of DVD releases by British director Pete Walker.

The Comeback (1977. England. Shriek Show. Directed by Pete Walker. Cast: Jack Jones, Pamela Stephenson, David Doyle, Bill Owen, Sheila Keith, and Holly Palance. 1.85:1 widescreen. 5.1 and mono. 100 minutes. Extras: photo gallery, trailer, and commentary with Pete Walker and author Jonathan Rigby.). Years ago, I remember going to see The Comeback with a great deal of trepidation. Playing the lead as an American rock and roll singer trying to stage a comeback in England, only to be surrounded by some brutal and mysterious deaths was Jack Jones. Best known more for MOR hits (including the Love Boat theme), one had to wonder if he was the right choice? Ya know what, Jack Jones did a fantastic job. With a career on the skids, a divorce from his wife, and a manager/agent pushing him to move his career into high gear, Nick Cooper (Jack Jones) was certainly under pressure. Relocating to the country to live in a gorgeous English manor he’s soon writing and recording demos. But, all is not right. The house is taken care of by an eccentric couple (one being the under-rated Sheila Keith). They seem to be taken care of Nick’s needs--but, at the same time, have their own agenda. So does his cross dressing manager/agent (incredible performance by David Doyle). Equally suspicious is his manager’s beautiful assistant (Pamela Stephenson) who quickly becomes Nick’s love interest and Nick’s “roadie” (it’s never really explained what his real title is--but he seems like a roadie). Bodies are soon piling up--one being Nick’s ex-wife. Nick’s also hearing lots of strange noises and having visions. He even sees his wife’s ghost. Lots of red herrings are to be found here in The Comeback-- I doubt anyone will be able to guess its ending. All around fine acting, effective locations, and no-frills directing from Pete Walker. The Comeback is a creepy little film that has aged well.

The Confessional (1975. England. Shriek Show. Directed by Pete Walker. Cast: Anthony Sharp, Susan Penhaligon, Stephanie Beacham, Norman Eshley, Sheila Keith, and Hilda Barry. 1.85:1 widescreen. 5.1 or mono. 100 minutes. Extras: commentary with Pete Walker and author Jonathan Rigby, Courting Controversy featurette, and Sheila Keith: A Nice Old Lady featurette). Like The Comeback, The Confessional is holding up well since its release over thirty years ago. Father Xavier Meldrum takes confession a bit too seriously. He privately tapes people’s confessions and then tries to “save them.” But, in reality he either has to kill ‘em or drive them to commit suicide. Susan Penhaligon plays a girl with boy problems. After running into an old school friend who is now a priest, she decides to drop into his church to do some spiritual cleansing. Unfortunately, Father Meldrum is hearing confession and now her friends are starting to die. No one believes her when she says it’s the priest. He’s the perfect seriel killer. Anthony Sharp gives an intense performance as Father Meldrum. This guy is one sick pup. I’ve always been confused to why Susan Penhaligon’s career never took off. In the mold of to-die-for-cute British actresses such as Suzy Kendall and Susan George, Susan Penhaligon held her own. Talented and very attractive, she should’ve been a contender. It’s not to late to appreciate her talents, just pop The Confessional into your DVD player.

If you have a DVD for review, please send it to Chip Lamey c/o Video Crypt, P.O. Box 54, Stone Harbor, N.J. 0827.