And Soon The Darkness [DVD]

Had never heard of this before but was really impressed. Not a moment is wasted either, the pacing is superb, and I love the way a small cast is equally weighty, all used really well. It's really atmospheric. And I love the way that every thing they say builds little details (I speak French which helps, not sure if there was subtitling for this or not, which would help because of what the French characters say). You never really know who is responsible until the end. I also like the way the main girl is actually a pretty tough character but still realistic. I might watch the 2010 remake now, will be surprised if it's as great as the original. Music was slightly offputting at the start but it's just because of the period it was made.

I watched the first few minutes of this many years ago after video-taping it, stopped for whatever reason, didn't finish it off and taped over it accidentally. What a loss!!! It hasn't been shown since.I bought the DVD recently and watched it in full and I have to say it is BRILLIANT. A quick synopsis: Two young and naive British nurses on a cycling holiday in France one summer have a tiff and separate. One is left on her own by some woods, the other goes onto the next town for a while, but returns to find her friend has disappeared. Along the way they have been followed by a mysterious young man on a motorcycle. It soon transpires that this road is 'un route mauvais' according to the locals, and two years earlier the wood was the scene of a murder of a young Dutch tourist nearly identical in appearance to the blonde friend. The murderer was never caught. The young motorcyclist claims he is a detective, but not from the same locale. Is he all he says he is or is he a murderer?Written, directed and produced by the same people who made The Avengers, namely the director, Robert Fuest, the writers Brian Clemens and Terry Nation, the film gives nothing away until the final five minutes. The direction is clever and suspenseful. The photography is beautiful and the film has been very well edited. If you can remember The Avengers, it is in a very similar vein accept without the cheesey plot-line and camp performances.Each of the locals is mysterious. With the exception of an English woman and the young motorcyclist, the locals speak only in French with a smattering of English and the English girls barely speak a word of French so the communication problem only adds to the suspense, but it is also directed very cleverly indeed. The English girl played by Pamela Franklyn has to trust the French, but there is always an element of doubt. As the film progresses, one's suspicions are constantly being modified as the twists unfold, and the likely culprit varies back and forth so that one learns to trust nobody, right up until the shocking end.This is easily the match of Alfred Hitchcock at his best and in the mould of French new wave directors such as Claude Chabrol who idolised him. The people on here who have written negative reviews are really talking out of their backsides. Just look at the poor ratings of other users for their reviews, whilst the people who have written positive reviews get high approval ratings.The DVD itself has a very clean and unblemished print; it is very clear and sharp. Despite the sound being in mono, one would barely know it. The music is only upbeat at the beginning, but becomes mysterious and suspenseful thereafter. The soundtrack is by Laurie Johnson (also of the Avengers).This film is an overlooked classic and a must-buy, especially for those who have never seen it.

I cannot believe there are some reviewers – ostensibly sensible and erudite people – who have completely misunderstood this film. To award a niggardly one or two stars and complain about, well nothing as far as I can see. Inane comments such as “”... Frank Spencer's wife...”, “... thunderbird 2...” ???? and “...incoherent mess...” are almost beyond comprehension. Gentlemen – shame on you.This unrecognised classic, which could give Hitchcock, Lean, Spielberg or Bergman a run for their euros is one of Brian Clemens' (RIP 2015) finest efforts. Several reviewers have given the plot and background so I – as always – will confine myself to a spirited defence of this excellent little masterpiece utilising the 'usual' headings.Totty? An absolute bird-fest here. Where do I start? Michele Dotrice's obvious white-shorted and curvaceous figure is – of course – hypnotising, especially her sunbathing episode. To be fair, the lingering shots of Dotrice a la cycle are also spellbinding. No less the lady, Clare Kelly's mature and sensitive portrayal of the crypto-lesbian schoolteacher is tantalising whilst at the same time rather creepy. However, and forgive my faint drooling but I have to say, Pamela Franklin's demure-yet-sexy nurse Jane is absolutely stunning, with her stretched burgundy shorts and tight blue top. Every time I watch this atmospheric masterpiece I am spellbound by Franklin's beauty and erotic figure.Cars? A marvellous exposition of 1970s machinery. The scooter ridden by Sandor Elès sans crash helmet, leathers or indeed anything other than a rather natty 70s suit is très chic. (By the bye, I am saddened to hear of Sandor's passing in 2002 – he is much missed RIP). The schoolteacher's lovely Citroën Fourgonette, what a wonderful little Frog. And, at the finale – a DS ambulance with its evocative Gallic “ohehon, ohehon, ohehon...” siren racing along in the symbolic rainstorm.Minor delights? This film is crammed with them. The scenery, The buildings. The straight, tree-lined roads. The Gendarmes' reaction on seeing Jane cycling towards them (close ups and all) – how utterly French is that? The cafés – both the village one with the seedy waiter and one run by Madame Lassal and her frightening husband. Dotrice's woodland loss of underwear (very erotic). Franklin's regret at NOT having her bum pinched (in stark contract to the contrived, feminist and arrant PC nonsense of today).Taken as a whole, Clemens and Nation's script, brought to life by Fuest's superb direction is a treat for the eyes, intellect and soul. A superb exercise in suspense and style.Greatly recommended.