An American wakes up in an English hospital unable to remember anything of his life before a recent car accident. With only a photograph torn from a newspaper to guide him, and an unknown benefactor, he attempts to unravel what looks increasingly like a bizarre murder.
Robert Webber
Chris Smith
Anthony Newlands
Dr. Keller
Jennifer Jayne
Gina McConnell
Maurice Denham
Hemmings
Lelia Goldoni
Denise James
Peter Woodthorpe
Marcus Allan
Sandra Boize
English Girl
Sue Lloyd
French Girl
Marianne Stone
Miss Grogan
Irene Richmond
Mrs. Keller
Kiwi Kingston
French Girl's Husband
John Arnatt
Mr. James
Director
Freddie Francis
Writer
Jimmy Sangster
November 4, 2013
7
No hysterical histrionics here, just solid hysteria.
Hysteria is directed by Freddie Francis and written by Jimmy Sangster. It stars Robert Webber, Anthony Newlands, Jennifer Jayne, Maurice Denham and Lelia Gordon. Music is by Don Banks and cinematography by John Wilcox.
From the long line of Hammer Thrillers with one word titles that followed in the wake of Psycho, Hysteria is a decent addition to the roster. Plot in simple terms finds Webber as Chris Smith, a survivor of a car crash who is suffering with amnesia. Upon finding out some mysterious benefactor has been footing the hospital bills for him, he is naturally intrigued as to who it is. Following the bare minimum of clues, while struggling with angry voices he hears in his head, Smith finds himself in a vortex of mystery and shifty shenanigans.
What follows is a monochrome murder mystery laced with psychopathic tendencies, paranoia, dangerous attractions, twists and extended flashbacks. It’s all a bit flimsy if you wanted to dissect it as a viable story, but Sangster comes up with some good ideas in the name of entertainment, and Francis is able to eek out suspense at regular intervals. Cast are fine, including the sometimes maligned Webber who sits the role well, while Denham offers up a good one as the detective who is not to be taken lightly.
Good solid twisty thriller from Hammer. 7/10
Status:
Released
Original Language:
English
Budget:
$0.00
Revenue:
$0.00