13 Frightened Girls

13 Frightened Girls is a chilling yet intriguing espionage thriller from 1963, directed by the maestro of the genre himself, the legendary William Castle. Known for his innovative promotional gimmicks and penchant for suspense, Castle creates a compelling web of suspense and secret maneuvers in this underrated gem. With exceptional performances by Murray Hamilton, Joyce Taylor, and Hugh Marlowe, the film ensures an engaging and irresistible plot that, once engrossed, is hard to look away from.

The movie ventures into the unpredictable world of international espionage with a unique twist. It tells the story of 13 young girls from different countries residing at a boarding school in Switzerland in the midst of Cold War tensions. These girls are the daughters of various ambassadors stationed in countries around the world, thereby bringing a unique multinational flavor to the narrative. The main focus centers on an American diplomat's daringly intelligent and adventurous 16-year-old daughter, Candida, who is beautifully portrayed by Kathy Dunn.

Against the overseas backdrop, Candida accidentally stumbles upon important secrets that she inevitably becomes compelled to extract and reveal to her diplomat father, played convincingly by Hugh Marlowe. She finds herself in the harrowing and dangerous world of international espionage, initially using the information to advance her father's career, but soon realizing the dire and risky implications of her actions. Kirsten Lindholm gives life to the character of the captivating British student, while Murray Hamilton plays a key role of a suave secret agent, intensifying the thrill.

The narrative reflects the precarious balance of power in the world at the time, the tension of the Cold War period vividly mirrored through the predicament the characters find themselves in. The game of cat and mouse of international politics is delicately illustrated with the school girls' innocent antics providing an innocent backdrop to the simmering undercurrents of power play, deceit, and high stakes diplomacy.

Despite its usurious title, which may suggest the plot of an out-and-out horror show, 13 Frightened Girls is a cleverly crafted thriller infused with strains of mystery, age-appropriate romance, humor and, above all, suspense. It also manages to infuse a good amount of humor, thus relieving the tension and helping it stay clear of being too grim and intense.

Castle's direction is crisp, and he expertly manages to extract wonderful performances from his relatively young and inexperienced cast. His dexterity in juggling multiple nationalities and languages within a single narrative frame is commendable. Moreover, the aesthetic framing of the Swiss Alps, with the picturesque vistas and beautiful landscapes, as well as Castle's meticulous attention to detail, give the film a unique European touch, enhancing its overall allure.

The performances of Murray Hamilton and Joyce Taylor are impressive and demand appreciation for their skillful and invigorating portrayal of their respective characters. Hamilton plays an important role and is able to add texture and dimension to his character, while Taylor excellently portrays a character of an intelligent and strong woman. Moreover, the supporting cast, composed mainly of the eponymous '13 girls,' each representing a different nation, competently hold their own and enhance the multicultural atmosphere of the story.

Overall, 13 Frightened Girls is a thrill-packed movie that brilliantly showcases William Castle's flair for suspense and spectacle, while also reflecting the frailties and strengths of young girls thrust into a dangerous game of international power play. It's a gem from the 1960s that, while being a product of its time, still retains a distinct charm and intrigue that makes it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. The film is a testament to Castle's unique brand of storytelling and his ability to transform an innocent story of young girls into a thrilling ride of suspense and peril.