100 Essential Films That Deserve More Attention - 18. Taste of Fear

People embrace the enchanting glow of the big screen for all manner of reasons; to journey to faraway places they could only ever imagine, to experience the escapism of a captivating story, or maybe to indulge in an obsession with the world of cinema. For me, all three of these reasons apply - and many more - but first and foremost is the satisfaction of recommending obscure films to other like-minded individuals who adopt them as their new favourites.

With over 100 years worth of films to choose from, and many of these now available at the click of a button, it can be extremely difficult to narrow your choices down to pick a film to watch. Although cinema has been around for over four times longer than my life on this earth, I have spent what some may consider an unhealthy amount of these years delving into the history of films to discover some of the best hidden gems out there.

This series of articles aims to highlight the overlooked masterpieces that I have unearthed whilst exploring the forgotten recesses of cinema. Take a gamble on any one of these films and I guarantee that you will be eagerly awaiting all future instalments in this series. You may well have heard of a number of these films; my aim isn't merely to shine a spotlight on the most obscure films out there, but to share my enjoyment of those films which don't have the cult following I believe they deserve.

Taste of Fear

Director - Seth Holt

Country - UK

Year - 1961

Runtime - 81 Minutes

Hammer horror films are synonymous with all things gothic and macabre; traditional horror tales featuring gloomy castles and stereotypical villains that perhaps haven’t dated so well and occasionally veer into camp territory. This is by no means a comment on the quality of the studio’s output but a reflection on how far the horror genre has come since one if its defining eras, as the once shocking moments can often seem tame in comparison to the violence, gore and relentless jump scares that today’s audiences are accustomed to. A Hammer film that has avoided this pitfall is the suspenseful thriller Taste of Fear; a horror that has more in common with classics of the genre such as Psycho and Les Diaboliques than the usual gothic tendencies associated with the studio. It relies on sharp storytelling and sidesteps the hallmarks of the genres villains we are all familiar with, providing audiences with visceral thrills that still maintain the power to startle.

Susan Strasberg is Penny Appleby, a young wheelchair bound lady who visits her father’s remote mansion on the coast of France. Upon arrival she is greeted by her new stepmother, Jane (Ann Todd), who informs her that her father is nowhere to be seen. Later that night, Penny explores the grounds of the house and has an unsettling encounter with what appears to be her father’s dead body. She enlists the help of her father’s chauffeur who gave her a lift from the airport, Robert (Ronald Lewis), to find out if her imagination is playing tricks on her or if there is something more sinister afoot. This simple yet effective premise provides an intriguing mystery that even the most attentive viewers are unlikely to piece together until all is revealed in the film’s gripping final act.

Shot in black and white, the film utilises shadow and lighting to evoke a sinister atmosphere, adding to the sense of fear as Penny grapples with both her emotions and her stepmother to uncover the truth. The set locations are full of character, with the foreboding and rarely used swimming pool that lurks in front of the house being a source of much anxiety for Penny and her disability, along with the precarious cliff tops that act as a natural barrier between the house and the shoreline. Interiors lit eerily with candle light hint at the magnificence of her father’s fortune; the decadence of grand pianos and ornate dining tables showcase a homestead that has been adorned with riches that one can believe might drive a greedy person to murder another.  

With a runtime of only 81 minutes, Taste of Fear packs a lot into its short duration. Almost every shot is used to propel the story forward, giving us a glimpse into the shrouded secrets that torment Penny, and bringing us closer to the horrifying truth of the situation. This is a masterclass in taut screenwriting; all loose ends are addressed before the film’s finale, and we are given a clear indication of each character’s motivations. We may not be able to relate to that which compels them to commit heinous acts but we can certainly understand what drives them to such extreme actions.

The involvement of Hammer stalwart Christopher Lee is a welcome addition to the proceedings, his portrayal of the dignified and reserved Dr Pierre Gerrard, a close friend of Mr Appleby, is a grounding performance that merits further attention. His intentions appear to be genuine but his closeness with Jane means that Penny is understandably dubious about his trustworthiness. Ronald Lewis also delivers as the stoic chauffeur, aiding Penny in her search and literally carrying her through her darkest hours, his openness and bluntness offering Penny a respite from the horror she finds herself in. It is unsurprising when hints of a budding romance between the two begin to show, and it is pleasing that such an endearing character like Penny has found the support and love to remove some of her vulnerabilities.

It is Strasberg and Todd that are the real stars of the show though. As Penny and Jane begin an amicable relationship that gradually progresses into a downward spiral of suspicion and mistrust, the two actors deliver staggering performances and lead us into an unforgettable final confrontation. The whereabouts of Penny’s father will come as a revelation but there are far more disturbing secrets that leave us in as much shock and awe as the main characters, ensuring that this is a film that demands repeat viewings to appreciate the subtle clues and intricacies that become apparent the second time round.

An underappreciated landmark in horror cinema, Taste of Fear deserves to be revered by all film fans who delight in the mischievous nature of a cleverly executed screenplay that twists and turns to its final resolution. It could easily stand alongside much of Hitchcock’s work in exemplifying everything that was enthralling about British cinema in the 60’s and, in my eyes at least, it is one of Hammer horror’s crowning achievement.

If you take the time to watch Taste of Fear then it would be awesome if you could also take the time to let me know what you thought of it, either by commenting below or tweeting me @filmbantha. Thanks, and enjoy!

For previous instalments in the series click here