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Bookish, directed by Carolina Giammetta, goes beyond just being a whodunit. It transports you back to the mid-1940s and gives you a rather profound insight (particularly for this genre) into the life and times of the people from that era. It sheds light on the socio-political landscape of the country and makes us privy to the struggles of a closeted gay man living in an orthodox society. The detailing, the intricate world-building, and the nuanced performances make you feel like you are watching a social commentary rather than just a Sherlock-esque murder mystery. Book, aka Gabriel, as the name suggested, was the owner of a bookstore in London who had a knack for solving murder mysteries. Such was his reputation that Inspector Bliss never failed to seek his advice while handling a complicated case. The local sergeant, Morris, didn’t like the fact that a civilian, time and again,...

Stars: Penny Irving, Robert Tayman, Barbara Markham, Patrick Barr, Ray Brooks, Sheila Keith, Dorothy Gordon, Ann Michelle, Ivor Salter | Written by Pete Walker, David McGillivray | Directed by Pete Walker

Directed by Pete Walker, House of Whipcord is an unsettling yet engaging example of British exploitation cinema, blending horror and social commentary into a dark and disturbing narrative. It’s a film that’s both of its time and oddly timeless, as it critiques moral authoritarianism through the lens of a sadistic prison system masquerading as a reformatory for wayward young women.

Plot Overview

The story centres around a young French model, Anne-Marie (Penny Irving), who, after a string of rebellious behavior, is lured into a twisted correctional institution by her seemingly charming new boyfriend, Mark E. Desade (played with eerie charm by Robert Tayman). The institution is run by Mark’s fanatical mother, Mrs. Wakehurst (Barbara Markham), and her sadistic staff,...