Die Screaming Marianne (1971)
Article 5796 by Dave Sindelar
Date: 6-22-2020
Directed by Pete Walker
Featuring Susan George, Barry Evans, Christopher Sandford
Country: UK
What it is: Crime thriller

A go-go dancer is on the run from her family, the members of which have taken a sinister turn after the death of the mother. But can she trust the men she turns to?

I’m not surprised that one of my guides lists this one as being genre; it is made by a director known for his horror films (Pete Walker), and the title certainly sounds right for a horror film. At heart, though, this is a crime thriller with only a few small horror touches, the most prominent one being that the title character’s half-sister isn’t quite sane. Unfortunately, the movie is also more frustrating than thrilling; there’s a low energy vibe to the movie, and characters often behave in ways that are impenetrable given the situations they’re in. There are a few striking moments and some interesting ideas, but the story as a whole is muddled and far-fetched. Pete Walker made some good movies, but this isn’t one of them.