Edge of Fury

Framed by a prologue and epilogue, both featuring a psychiatrist's voice over, edge of fury " is a mysterious work , off the beaten track .

Richard is a lonely young man,whose background is unknown ;who is this Jenny , who warns him against his new friends? his guardian ?or only his employer in the bookstore ?Why does she urge him to leave for what must be a mental institution? The shrink one never sees hints at a financial problem.

Richard desperately tries to find himself a family; he thinks he's got the right one in the shape of a mother ,Florence,and her two daughters ,Louisa and Eleanor ;the latter has a strange relationship with Richard who seems sexually repressed in this female world .Although he needs them and throws a party for them (and treats them to the delight of French crêpes Suzette) ,his real outlet is his art:painting "his " family is a bizarre way of owning them .But there are enemies : the other men who call on the Hackett family and who might steal some of the members from him ;tragedy is around the corner.

Made on a shoestring budget, "edge of fury" looks more like an European movie than an American one.

I saw this as the second half of a double bill in theatrical release. It's a gripping story of murder and madness, based on reality, from the novel "Wisteria Cottage" by Robert Coates, which I sought out right after seeing the film. The book is readily available, but the film seems to have disappeared from sight. I also believe "Edge of Fury" was made much earlier than its 1958 release date, as its lead male actor died two years prior to then. If by chance "Edge of Fury" ever shows up on a tape rack or late-night revival, I recommend you seize the opportunity to see this offbeat, frightening film. Recommended to all but children and the very sensitive.

Nothing exciting happens until very end. The character's psychological sickness is portrayed in a kind of vague, foggy way. What is going on between the characters is not very clearly drawn either. At the end of the movie I felt like I really hadn't watched much of anything at all. Enjoyed the beach photography.

As the writer director of this film it would be unethical for me to comment on it.. but I would love to know if there is a video tape(or DVD) available.

I have only a 16mm print of it. The reviewer who mentioned the release date as incorrect.. it was made in 1953 sold to United artists and released in 1958. He also thought that the leading actor was dead two years before but that is not correct.. I do not know if he is still alive but I suggest that others search date bases to see if Michael Higgins is still with us but I know he appeared in the movie THE CONVERSATION Starring Gene Hackman... Perhaps he took the listing of the cast as having published the name with the starring name first. another thing that should be in the base is the name of the Director of Photography: Conrad Hall - It was his first feature and he went on to win Academy Awards... He died I think last year.

Takeaway from this film: Never befriend a charming stranger.