This mix of Gothic and Slasher film is lifted from forgettable to must see status by the iconic Barbara Steele. There is a nice setting of mood as the fine Rebecca Balding moves from the typical world of early 80's college setting so typical of slasher films into a more traditional Gothic setting. The music also quickly evolves from incidental to symphonic, again surprising for a horror film of 1980. Soon we are introduced to a still lovely Yvonne Decarlo who has a BIG SECRET! At long last we meet Barbara Steele. It might take a little time and patience to get to Ms. Steele but she dominates the last half hour with a committed artful performance and a beauty that cannot be dimmed with age. Stay with this one. The ending is terrific where most of the 80's films fall apart.
Review of The Silent Scream
