Penny Irving Movies
British sado-exploitation guru Pete Walker directed this mundane horror-mystery about an American pop star (Jack Jones) who, after a long hiatus, decides to return to England in an attempt to jump-start his career and finds himself immersed in a supernatural mystery involving the grisly murder of his estranged wife at their London flat. Through revelations provided by his wife's ghost, he attempts to solve the murder -- which may have been committed by something not entirely human. Although nowhere near as bloody as Walker's notorious cult classics Schizo or The Confessional, this is still rather gruesome stuff, enlivened somewhat by the presence of Pamela Stephenson as the latest object of Jones' affection. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Jones, Pamela Stephenson, (more)
- 1976
Malcolm McDowell plays a World War I air ace, in charge of an elite squadron. Outwardly a bastion of courage, McDowell dies a little every time one of his boys is killed. To steel his nerves, he takes to drink, which has an adverse effect on his abilities. Christopher Plummer staunchly portrays McDowell's commanding officer. Aces High is a remake of Journey's End (1930), which in turn was based on a play by R.C. Sheriff. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Malcolm McDowell, Christopher Plummer, (more)
- 1976
This is not the same kind of film as the 1962 production, Tom Jones. In fact, it is a "nudie musical", as evidenced by the presence of singing star Georgia Brown in the dual role of Jenny Jones and Mrs. Waters. The project originated as a Las Vegas stage presentation, with Nicky Henson in the lead. The plot of the Henry Fielding novel about the "boy born to be hanged" is followed in spirit rather than to the letter, with busty Joan Collins thrown in like a lagniappe as a lady highwayman. Wandering through the proceedings are such English stalwarts as Trevor Howard and Terry-Thomas. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nicky Henson, Trevor Howard, (more)
- 1975
- R
This threadbare "Carry On" comedy is set in the 18th century and concerns a fellow with a dual identity: by day, he's the Reverend Flasher; after dusk, he moonlights as the treacherous highwayman Dick Turpin. (Both are played by Sidney James). Dogooders Captain Desmond Fancey (Kenneth Williams) and Sgt. Jock Strapp (Jack Douglas) search for this elusive scoundrel who is robbing travelers every evening. Adding fool to the fire is Mme. Desiree (Joan Sims) and her entourage of doxies. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sidney James, Barbara Windsor, (more)
- 1975
- PG
This horrendous horror spoof stars David Niven, who manages to keep a stiff upper lip as the title character. The Count, by now too old to dine out, must instead host tours of his castle in order to lure fresh victims. Hoping to resurrect his dead lover through the blood of a suitably beautiful woman with the correct type, he fortunately manages to rent the old homestead to a group of voluptuous Playboy bunnies for a photo shoot; he winds up draining the blood of a gorgeous black model who fits the bill. Much to his surprise, his lover returns as Teresa Graves, and he too becomes black by the end of this startlingly unfunny (and mildly racist) attempt at a sexy spoof of the standard Dracula theme. ~ Jeremy Beday, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Niven, Teresa Graves, (more)
In this British exploitation film, an elderly husband and wife begin torturing young women whose behavior offends their puritan sensibilities. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- 1973
The Big Zapper is based on the popular British comic strip of the same name. Linda Marlowe plays a lady private eye, while Gary Hope co-stars as her long-suffering sidekick. They go from one life-threatening adventure to another, Modesty Blaise style. As in the original comic strip, the adventure content is overridden by humor. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
