James Kenelm Clarke

Watched this James Kenelm Clarke directed and Brian Smedley-Aston produced psycho shocker under it's "The House on Straw Hill" title. Notoriously included on the DPP's infamous "video nasties" list, the film is a cheaply made but hugely interesting slice of sexploitation horror. The plot has author Udo Kier holed up in a remote farmhouse retreat writing a new book. When mysterious secretary Linda Hayden arrives to assist him type-up his manuscript things start to go seriously wrong. Despite the plot unfolding in a slightly obvious manner, James Kenelm Clarke manages to squeeze suspense aplenty out of the scenario, with the single set, low-ceilinged farmhouse helping to deliver plenty of nervous claustrophobia. Compulsive masturbator Linda Hayden and the statuesque Fiona Richmond add an uninhibited erotic charge while Udo Kier is effortlessly creepy. Overall this is a gritty, sleazy effort with sufficient oddness and tension (plus virtually non-stop sex and violence) to keep it interesting from beginning to end.… (altro)