JohnDoe
Bryn
Brenton
Experiment In Terror (1962) - Footage Included
In the Lab with The Art of Suspense
Experiment in Terror DVD
Director:Blake Edwards
Starring: Lee Remick, Glenn Ford, Stefanie Powers, Ned Glass, Ross Martin, Clifton James
Writer/Director Blake Edwards is most readily recognized for his comedy successes like The Pink Panther, The Party. 10 and S.O.B., but to ignore his efforts in other genres is to starve yourself of some equally rewarding cinema. Made just after his breakthrough hit Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Experiment in Terror (Grip of Fear) is an ideal starting point.
The title may conjure up images of a B-Grade Roger Corman entry, but Experiment in Terror is a classy and compelling blackmail thriller.
Few films grab you as hard and fast, the first 10 minutes go like this. As the credits roll, a beautiful bank teller named Kelly Sherwood is driving her Mustang home at night accompanied by the jazz fused strains of Henry Mancini.
Turning into her garage located in the San Francisco suburb called Twin Peaks, the music disappears as Kelly get’s out of her car. Suddenly, a serial killer named Red Lynch (Ross Martin) violently grabs her from behind and puts a knife to her throat.
Speaking in a wheezy, hushed tone the asthmatic villain remains unseen. He explains that he wants the strong minded Kelly to steal $100,000 from the bank she works at. If she refuses Red will kill her and her sister Tobey in a most heinous manner.
Establishing quickly that this is no bluff, to tell you more of this refined story would ruin the fun to be had with this surprisingly unsung riveter.
Snapshots from Experiment in Terror.
John Doe says:
Experiment in Terror is just that, a honed black and white exercise in sustained tension and audience manipulation. From obtuse camera angles and calculated editing to the chilling musical score and veiled lighting, a taut atmosphere of diabolical possibilities is sustained. Blood free it adopts a crime thriller posture that avoids feeling procedural.
There is daring in Blake Edward’s (Days of Wine and Roses) technique. Although the motion picture doesn’t descend into complete darkness it bores into the emotional toll on all those involved in this suspenseful cat and mouse struggle.
The original poster for Experiment in Terror
The distinct shadow play cinematography of Phillip H Lathrop (The Driver, The Killer Elite), hiding faces and forming a luring presence in corners enhances the fascination.
Based on their novel Operation Terror, The Gordon’s screenplay contains minimal exposition which allows for constant momentum. It understands the concept of time structure on screen and the result is mostly a fast moving narrative. By placing an unmarried women in jeopardy, in its time must have added subconscious vulnerability too.
If the film does have a fault it may be the two hour running time, purely because some small trims could have been made without losing the tempo.
The behind the scenes strengths are complimented by performances that really make this an incredibly watchable experience.
Underestimated by JD in his younger years as that actress from The Omen and Anatomy of a Murder, over time he has grown to appreciate the versatile talent of Lee Remick (No Way To Treat A Lady, The Detective). As the competent Kelly Sherwood she brings a much needed strength of will that invests us in her nightmare.
Few actors bring such a stoic but gentile presence as Glenn Ford (3.10 to Yuma, The Big Heat) and here it’s masterfully used in the part of F.B.I agent John Ripley. Serving as Kelly’s only hope, Ford provides empathy and compassion as he hunts for the killer.
As the conniving and downright frightening psychotic, familiar Television actor Ross Martin (Twilight Zone, Hawaii Five-0) lodges the performance of his lifetime. Unforgettable in the role this is a character that really should turn up on more “Most Memorable Villain” lists.
Stefanie Powers’ (Escape to Athena, Hart to Hart) small but pivotal role as Kelly’s threatened sister stands out for more than just her youthful beauty. The moment where she is kidnapped is about as harrowing as anything that had come before in cinema.
For John Doe, Experiment in Terror can’t be described as ahead of its time purely because of Hitchcock’s work, but it can be relegated to under discussed gem of the era. Rather than nasty exploitation there is a deceiving prestige here that is often aspired too, but seldom achieved in the genre.This is a benchmark that must be seen by 1960’s cinema connoisseurs and fans of the damsel in distress thrillers.
Adding mystique is the obvious influence it had on other filmmakers. From David Lynch drawing on the suburb of Twin Peaks and a villain named Red Lynch. To a helicopter zoom out final shot that may predate Don Siegel’s signature move. On the trivial side there is even a panning shot that reveals a bar named "Tarantino's".
No trailer found, instead here are some clips from Experiment in Terror accompanied by Henry Mancini's brilliant opening score.
A few scenes from the film.
Horrorphile
Screen Adventure
Film & TV on DVD
Hi Bryn,
I'm not even sure if this one is available in Oz. I do know you will appreciate it when you see it....in an attempt to minimize hype, maybe not as much as me
Film & TV on DVD
Hi Matt,
It amazes me how little this film is discussed, i think you will like it.
I am guilty of under estimating Remick in my younger years but the more I see of her filmography, the more I am impressed by her presence. Experiment in terror is certainly one of her finest..Her part in the neglected No Way To Treat a Lady is phenomenal too.
Film & TV on DVD
Thanks Shaun, hope you can find a copy. i don't know what I did before Netflix, so many gems uncovered finally.