Taste of Fear

Taste of Fear, also known as “Scream of Fear” in the United States, is a British psychological horror thriller released in 1961 by Hammer Film Productions. Directed by Seth Holt and produced by Jimmy Sangster, this film delivers a gripping narrative and showcases powerful performances. The movie features renowned stars such as Susan Strasberg, Ann Todd, and Ronald Lewis in the lead roles. The dreary black-and-white imagery of the film amplifies the unsettling plot, creating an eerie atmosphere that further enchants the audience.

Taste of Fear tells the chilling story of a young woman named Penny Appleby (portrayed by Susan Strasberg), who is paralyzed due to a horseback riding accident. Having spent the last ten years in Switzerland undergoing treatments, Penny decides to return home to the French Riviera after hearing some disturbing news. She learns that her multimillionaire father has gone missing under mysterious circumstances.

Penny is warmly welcomed by her stepmother, Jane Appleby (Ann Todd), and Bob Kirby (Ronald Lewis), a close family friend and her father’s personal secretary, assuring her that her father had been on an extended business trip and would return soon. As she settles in, Penny begins to sense an unnerving presence at the family mansion. She soon starts experiencing a series of bizarre events that signify something ominous lurking in the shadows.

Susan Strasberg, just in her early twenties during the shooting, delivers a captivating performance as Penny, exhibiting both vulnerability and courage as the story unfolds. As a wheelchair-bound protagonist, her anxiety and fear are palpable as she endeavors to unravel the mystery behind her father’s unsettling disappearance.

Ann Todd portrays the cunning and seemingly pleasant stepmother Jane Appleby. Her dual-interactions- warm and affectionate one moment, cold and distant the next, keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Ronald Lewis, as Bob Kirby, brings an intriguing dynamic to his character. A man stuck in the emotional vortex between his loyalty to his boss and his apparent affection towards Penny. He adds a touch of mystery to the plot and keeps the audience guessing about his true motifs till the end.

The film is established in the traditional horror framework with a mysterious mansion, unsettling silences, and abrupt scares. However, rather than becoming a cliché, these elements work together to cultivate an ambiance of intrigue and suspense. The director, Seth Holt, implemented some remarkable cinematic tactics, like the wise use of contrasting light and shadow, which adds a layer of gothic aesthetics. The movie also includes some intensifying underwater sequences that were quite innovative for its period.

The storytelling itself in Taste of Fear is exceptional. Jimmy Sangster’s script is clever, filled with unexpected twist and turns, which keep you hooked right until the very end. With each disturbing event, the plot thickens and tensions rise, seamlessly blending elements of fear and suspense.

The movie also boasts a remarkably haunting score by composer Clifton Parker. The sound of chilling violins blends beautifully with the black-and-white aesthetics, elevating the overall unease experienced by the audience. The music plays a crucial role in intensifying the suspenseful moments, creating a hair-raising symphony of fear.

Taste of Fear is a classic example of British horror thriller cinema. This atmospheric and nerve-wracking film is an ideal choice for anyone seeking originality in storytelling, captivating performances and noteworthy cinematography. Despite the constraints of its genre, the film successfully maintains its power to intrigue and frighten, infusing the viewers with a sense of foreboding and uncertainty. This is a journey where nothing is as it seems, filled with suspense, danger and a clear warning - trust no one.