One dark night, a woman attempts to escape from a large home, but upon reaching the garage, she discovers the car won’t start. As she panics and searches for ways to flee, a mysterious, ghostly figure approaches and brutally murders the woman.
After this scene, we meet Peggy (Sian Barbara Allen), a fourth-year art student. Peggy eagerly turns up to the local employment service to enquire about a housekeeping position. Despite the minimal pay, she is passionate and enthusiastic about getting the job, quickly riding her bike to the home to try and secure the position. At the front door, she meets an older woman named Mrs. Elliot (Bette Davis) and Jeffrey Elliot (Ted Bessell), Mrs. Elliot’s son. After a brief conversation with Jeffrey, Peggy is excited to take on her new job, which involves looking after Mrs. Elliot while Jeffrey focuses on creating sculptures. However, as Peggy works for the family, she starts to sense something strange is happening in the house. Determined to uncover the truth, Peggy searches for answers.
Scream, Pretty Peggy is a thriller with minor horror and drama elements. For those who may not know, it was made initially for free-to-air television. The film features a significant twist revealed at its climax, evoking the vibes and feelings often associated with Alfred Hitchcock’s movies. Director Gordon Hessler’s other works include The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973), Scream and Scream Again (1970), and Cry of the Banshee (1970).
Considering the film has a small cast, I found the entire runtime enjoyable and engaging. The plot is mysterious, and knowing the characters may not be who they claim to be is intriguing. Peggy is a fascinating character because of her determination and passion for uncovering the truth about the mysteries surrounding the home. But while Peggy is often a joy to watch on-screen, I must admit that she can occasionally be slightly irritating. This is mainly due to her tendency to overstep boundaries with her eagerness, such as cooking meals when they are not requested or making significant suggestions to Jeffrey as if she were a permanent family member. In terms of performance, Bette Davis as Mrs. Elliot truly shines.
The film successfully creates a captivating atmosphere, particularly with its portrayal of the mansion and through the moments of tension. Visually, the cinematography is filled with creative scenes that are pleasing to the eye throughout the entire duration. Although the film relies on a significant twist and reveal, I found the reveals predictable. That said, I still enjoyed watching the story unfold and appreciated the explanation of the finer details, including the how’s and whys.
Overall, if you’re a fan of Alfred Hitchcock’s thrillers, Scream, Pretty Peggy is a must-add to your watchlist. It’s an engaging mystery that starts strong right from the opening scene. While the central mystery is the film’s highlight, I found the reveals somewhat predictable. Nevertheless, watching everything unfold was truly enjoyable. The film is also visually impressive, with its stunning location. Additionally, Bette Davis delivers a memorable side performance that is nothing short of magnificent, although other characters have moments that can sometimes feel slightly irritating. If you love classic thrillers, this film is for you.
Scream, Pretty Peggy (1973) is Now Available on Blu-ray as part of the TV Movie of the Week from Imprint Films & Via Vision Entertainment!
FILM SCORE: 6.2/10
Published: 16th November 2024
Written by: Peter Walkden
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