The Strange Awakening

The Strange Awakening, also known as Female Fiends in the United States, is a lurid and compelling mystery noir from the late 1950s. Hitting the silver screen in 1958, this British production comes from director Montgomery Tully and features the collective talent of Lex Barker, Carole Mathews, and Lisa Gastoni. This enthralling film weaves a gripping tale of suspense, charisma and amnesia, leaving viewers at the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

The movie's narrative centers on Peter Chance (Lex Barker), a lucid and charming insurance investigator from America. Barker, adored for his role as Tarzan in various adaptations, steps into a perfectly crafted character, bringing his charisma and physical prowess to the table. He delivers a riveting performance that truly explores the depths of his character's psyche and involves audiences in his intense quest for truth.

Chance wakes after a car accident in the unfamiliar environment of a London hospital. His situation is further complicated by complete amnesia. He's told that he's been unconscious for days following the accident. As he starts piecing things together, he realizes that his wallet and car are missing—only to be told they've been found at a murder scene.

Carole Mathews plays Peggy, a bright yet mysterious woman from Peter's past - or so she claims. Lee, Peter’s so-called brother, played by the Italian starlet Lisa Gastoni, presents another puzzle piece in the intricate plot. These talented actresses bring life to their multi-layered characters, complementing Barker's performance and fueling the suspense.

The Strange Awakening is an engaging journey of a man attempting to make sense of his reality amidst confusion and deceit. This film unravels as a captivating chase providing the audience with action, plot twists, and optical pleasure. Heavy shadows, striking camera angles, and habits of secrets make it a traditional noir projecting uncertainty and introducing elements of danger at every turn.

Set in the bustling streets of London and across the scenic coast of the Mediterranean, the movie feeds a sense of adventure while entangling the viewer in an intricate plot. The sensual and violent world of The Strange Awakening provides a unique spin on the nuanced thriller genre, experimenting with elements of noir film techniques.

Despite being nearly forgotten in the annals of British noir, The Strange Awakening holds up remarkably well, portraying a timeless story of a man trapped in circumstances beyond his control. The film is a great example of the classic combination of mystery, suspense, adventure, and romance legend of post-war British filmmaking.

The script, penned by prolific screenwriters Leigh Vance and Paul Tabori, captivates the audience with its intelligent plot turns and nerve-wracking suspense. Its swift and engaging storytelling combined with impactful performances by the lead actors make it a memorable watch.

Director Montgomery Tully, known for his work in British B-movies, does an excellent job of crafting a suspenseful narrative. His skilful staging and depiction of suspenseful scenes, combined with exceptional cinematography, convey an ominous and shadowy atmosphere essential for a cinematic noir experience.

The Strange Awakening is a cinematic journey that transcends the simple facets of routine noir to become an intriguing puzzle with an interesting blend of thriller and adventure. The story unfolds with classic suspense, teasing the puzzle piece by piece and keeping the audience in the shadow until the very end.

Fans of Barker's work, lovers of traditional noir, or audiences who enjoy a suspense-filled film accompanied by intriguing characters and masterful storytelling will find The Strange Awakening an exhilarating cinematic experience. The engaging performances, clever plot development, and unexpected narrative twists make this classic film an unforgettable journey through suspense and revelation.

The Strange Awakening remains not just a testimony to Barker's acting versatility, but also an enduring example of classic noir at its finest.