The Uncanny (film)
| The Uncanny | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical poster to The Uncanny (1977) | |
| Directed by | Claude Héroux |
| Produced by |
René Dupont Milton Subotsky |
| Written by | Michael Parry |
| Starring |
Peter Cushing Ray Milland Donald Pleasence |
| Music by | Wilfred Josephs |
| Cinematography | Denys N. Coop |
| Edited by | Thomas Metzger |
Production company |
CineVideo Tor |
| Distributed by | Rank Films |
Release dates | August 26, 1977 |
Running time | 88 min |
| Country |
United Kingdom Canada |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $1.1 million[1] |
The Uncanny is a 1977 British anthology horror film, concerning feline revenge. The film was written by Michael Parry, directed by Denis Héroux and stars Peter Cushing, Donald Pleasence, Ray Milland, Joan Greenwood, Donald Pilon, Samantha Eggar, and John Vernon.[2]
Although it is similar to the horror anthologies released by Amicus Productions and could be mistaken as one, it was actually distributed by The Rank Organisation. However the co-producer was Milton Subotsky of Amicus.[1]
In the UK the film was originally given an X-rating.
Plot
In 1977, in Montreal, writer Wilbur Gray (Peter Cushing) visits his publisher Frank Richards (Ray Milland) to discuss his new book about cats. Wilbur believes that felines are supernatural creatures, and that they are the devil in disguise. Wilbur tells three tales to illustrate his thoughts:
In 1912, in London, Miss Malkin (Joan Greenwood) is a wealthy woman who rewrites her will leaving her fortune to her cats rather than to her nephew Michael (Simon Williams). Her maid Janet (Susan Penhaligon), also mistress of Michael, steals one copy of the will from the lawyer's briefcase and tries to destroy the original copy which is kept in the safe. When Miss Malkin sees her attempt, Janet kills her. The cats avenge Miss Malkin.
In 1975, in the Province of Quebec, the orphan Lucy (Katrina Holden) comes to live with her aunt Mrs. Blake (Alexandra Stewart), her husband (Donald Pilon), and her cousin Angela (Chloe Franks) after the death of her parents in a plane crash. Lucy brings her only friend, the cat Wellington, but her mean cousin forces her parents to get rid of Wellington. Lucy uses her mother's book of witchcraft to avenge Wellington.
In 1936, in Hollywood, the actor Valentine De'ath (Donald Pleasence) replaces the blade of a fake pendulum to kill his actress wife (Catherine Bégin), and give his young mistress and aspiring actress (Samantha Eggar) a chance. The cat of his wife avenges her.
Trivia
- Peter Cushing was third choice for author Wilbur Gray.
- Wilbur Grey is the name of Lou Costello's character in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.
- "The Uncanny" is the fifth Milton Subotsky film in which a character has the name "Maitland" ("Mrs. Maitland" played by Renee Girard). The others are And Now the Screaming Starts! (1973) in which Guy Rolfe plays "Maitland;" Tales from the Crypt (1972) in which Ian Hendry plays "Carl Maitland;" The Skull (1965) which top-bills Peter Cushing as "Dr. Christopher Maitland;" and the earliest, The City of the Dead (aka Horror Hotel, 1960) in which Tom Naylor plays "Bill Maitland."
Cast
- Peter Cushing as Wilbur Gray
- Ray Milland as Frank Richards
- Samantha Eggar as Mrs. Edina Hamilton (segment "Hollywood 1936")
- Donald Pleasence as Valentine De'ath (segment "Hollywood 1936")
- John Vernon as Pomeroy (segment "Hollywood 1936")
- Susan Penhaligon as Janet (segment "London 1912")
- Alexandra Stewart as Mrs. Joan Blake (segment "Quebec Province 1975")
- Joan Greenwood as Miss Malkin (segment "London 1912")
- Roland Culver as Wallace (segment "London 1912")
- Simon Williams as Michael (segment "London 1912")
- Donald Pilon as Mr. Blake (segment "Quebec Province 1975")
- Chloe Franks as Angela Blake (segment "Quebec Province 1975")
- Katrina Holden Bronson as Lucy (segment "Quebec Province 1975") (as Katrina Holden)
- Renée Girard as Mrs. Maitland (segment "Quebec Province 1975")
- Catherine Bégin as Madeleine (segment "Hollywood 1936")
- Jean LeClerc as Barrington (segment "Hollywood 1936")
- Sean McCann as The Inspector (segment "Hollywood 1936")
Production
Filming started in Montreal on 16 November 1976.[1]
Reception
The film performed poorly at the box office.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Ed. Allan Bryce, Amicus: The Studio That Dripped Blood, Stray Cat Publishing, 2000 p 153-154
- ↑ The Uncanny at the Internet Movie Database