Tuesday, August 24, 2021

OVERLOOKED FILM: SCREAMING MIMI (1958)

This is the first of two film adaptations of Fredric Brown's suspense novel The Screaming Mimi.  The other is Dario Argento's 1970 classic The Bird with the Crystal Plumage.  But this one has something the Argento film does not:  Anita Ekberg.

A man tries to stab exotic dancer Virginia (Ekburg) in the shower but is shot and killed by her stepbrother Charlie (Romney Brent).  Traumatized, Virginia goes to psychiatrist Dr. Greenwood (Harry Townes), who falls for her and begins to control her.  There's a series of murders and Virginia is a suspect -- each victim has purchased a sculpture of a woman called "The Screaming Mimi," created by Charlie.  Newshawk Bill Sweeney (Philip Carey) tries to suss it all out.  Also featuring Gypsy Rose Lee and the Red Norvo Trio.

Directed by Gerd Oswald (A Kiss Before Dying, Crime of Passion, Paris Holiday) from a script by Robert Blees (Magnificent Obsession, From the Earth to the Moon, High School Confidential).

Enjoy.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chQafHgkJwo

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