Sunday, July 21, 2013

SHANKS 1974 (OLIVE)

One of the most bizarre films ever made!

This is the final film directed by William Castle. Marcel Marceau stars as a mute puppeteer named Malcolm Shanks who uses a scientists invention to control dead bodies.

Marceau is excellent as the mute and he has a dual role as both mute and scientist. He and a young girl he is friends with have a party inside the mansion where Marceau worked with the scientist and they are interrupted by a motorcycle gang who eventually rape and kill the girl, but Marceau gets his revenge.

There are plenty of other unique set pieces in this film and you really feel for Marceau because of the way he is treated by the people he lives with. These are two of the slimiest people you'll ever see in a film and their roles are essayed by Tsilla Chelton and Philippe Clay who are also excellent mimes.

Bill Castle has a small role as a grocer. The film is set up like a fairy tale, but very very grim indeed. The music score is by the great Alex North and it is one that fits the film perfectly. Highly Recommended film for everyone to see at least once.

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