FRIGHT (1971) / CERT: 18 / DIRECTOR: PETER COLLINSON / SCREENPLAY: TUDOR GATES / STARRING: SUSAN GEORGE, IAN BANNEN, HONOR BLACKMAN, DENNIS WATERMAN, JOHN GREGSON / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
An atmospheric thriller from the past, Fright has returned once again to haunt our homes. Directed by Peter Collinson (The Italian Job) and starring an ensemble of notable names from a bygone era, Fright is what one can only describe as an underrated proto-slasher that’s bursting with real ingenuity from start to finish. Released seven years before Halloween, many have deemed Fright as a trendsetter for introducing the ‘terrorised babysitter formula’ to the horror genre. Almost 50 years later, the film still holds up today thanks to some real flair behind the camera and a beautiful restoration.
Susan George is in the leading role as a young babysitter who is tormented by her employer’s deranged ex-husband who has escaped from a mental institution. Terrified and fighting for her life, she’s put through a terrifying experience that seems as if it has been ripped from a nightmare. A visually gorgeous film with a setting that’s bursting with character, Collinson has been able to create an environment that not only looks lived in but feels well and truly alive. The atmospheric nature of the film plays a big part throughout with the occasional jump scare alerting viewers to the events that slowly unfold. These moments feel less obnoxious when compared to modern-day standards as they feel earned thanks to the slow build-up and situational circumstances these moments take place.
Having previously directed The Penthouse a few years prior, this wasn’t Collinson’s first foray into horror and it shows as his direction is nothing short of superb with some imaginative shots elevating the tension in all the right places. With a star-studded cast which includes the likes of Honor Blackman (Goldfinger), Ian Bannen (The Flight of the Phoenix) and Dennis Waterman (The Sweeney), there’s certainly no shortage of talent on screen with each of the actors nailing their respective roles appropriately. The script by Tudor Gates does a great job at fleshing out the characters whilst instilling a foreboding sense of trepidation for a thrillingly tense affair. It’s a shame however that things begin to falter towards the end as it gets a little bogged down with some clunky dialogue and a somewhat unfulfilling ending.
With a strong cast, a decent script and some solid directing, Fright still manages to be an effective horror which will be able to give most modern films a run for their money. Although the gore may be lacking there’s certainly no shortage of terror as Collinson proves that one doesn’t have to rely on blood and guts to fill viewers with fear. A deceptively dark thriller which wastes no time in getting into the thick of the action, this is a must-watch for fans of British cinema.
