Edge of Fury

What a surprising and unexpectedly thoughtful venture into the heady realms of psychological drama this is, found belatedly on You Tube. Particularly impressive is the performance of Michael Higgins, an actor I did not know who I learned had a long career mostly in supporting roles. Ignore the reviewer who described the film as "empty" and that "not much happens" until the last bit. On the contrary, the film builds tension steadily and methodically. One anticipates this troubled young man is headed for a flip out in the final reel, but even this is handled with sensitivity, if graphically in a single shot. Higgins was singled out by a professional reviewer as providing the only work of substance in the the cast but Lois Holmes (and her screen daughters) is likewise excellent as Florence who is fighting something of a losing battle to keep the peace.

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.

Takeaway from this film: Never befriend a charming stranger.