Cast
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Jenny Hanley
as Julia Dawson
Ray Brooks
as Mike
Luan Peters
as Carol Edwards
Candace Glendenning
as Sarah
Robin Askwith
as Simon
Tristan Rogers
as Tony Weller
Judy Matheson
as Jane
David Howey
as John
Elizabeth Bradley
as Mrs. Saunders
Rodney Diak
as Warner
Penny Meredith
as Angela
Sally Lahee
as Iris Vokins
John Yule
as Gerry
Raymond Young
as Insp. Walsh
Carol Allen
as Librarian
Crew
Director
- Pete Walker
Producer
- Pete Walker
Reviews
John Chard
Boobs, Butts and Blood - All Suffering Pier Pressure!
Pete Walker brings us a proto-slasher that's now as cornball as can be. Is it worthy of respect in the pantheon of horror? Yes, maybe.
This is a coastal town that they forgot to close down.
A group of actors and actresses have mysteriously been lured to an end of pier theatre to star in a play. Pretty soon they start being bumped off one by one.
So it be! There's plenty of nudity, actors siting around musing on the "biz" and its perils, while the matter of fact attitude to the disappearances is almost as ludicrous as someone opening the door in the middle of the night stark naked...
It's good fun in truth, especially for British film fans like me to see the likes of Robin Askwith and Jenny Hanley in this. The run down theatre setting is a good one, while the play they are rehearsing makes no sense and is quite surreal! 5/10
Oct 16, 2014
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Flesh and Blood Show presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Pete Walker brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1972, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Flesh and Blood Show took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 121 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 965 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1972, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Flesh and Blood Show shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Town That Dreaded Sundown, which focuses more on action than character development, The Flesh and Blood Show subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Spiral Staircase and Berserk! explore similar territory, The Flesh and Blood Show stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 1, 1972
- Runtime: 1h 33m
