Wuthering Heights (1970)

Growing up together in the desolate moorlands of Yorkshire during the early 19th century, Catherine and Heathcliff swear an oath to one another that is destined to be broken. Their love is an intense kind of madness with cruelty that knows no bounds, oscillating between a tumultuous storm of passion and obsession, jealousy and betrayal. The scenic vistas and quiet score by Michel Legrand elevate this tragic Gothic romance, and even though it strays from its source material, it's the final moments of this film that stay with me the most.

3 cold sweats out of 5

The Final Programme (1973)

aka The Last Days of Man on Earth

It’s strange that the film industry has ignored Michael Moorcock as much as they have. TFP is the only feature to date based on one of his stories. It has the Jerry Cornelius character played by Jon Finch as a kind of counter-culture, 70s hipster secret agent in a decaying world that’s just days away from destruction. There’s some clever dialogue that I suspect is lifted direct from the source, but for something that’s inherently strange the film is surprisingly dull and flat at times. The structure is too loose for its own good, and the many characters, while fun, aren't given enough time to be anything other than oddities. The jazzy music doesn't help much, because we all know it should’ve been scored by Hawkwind.

2½ puzzling doors out of 5

And Soon the Darkness (1970)

Two young English girls on a cycling trip through a rural French village find themselves becoming part of an unsolved murder a year after it happened. Separated from her friend, and unable to speak the language, Jane (Pamela Franklin) doesn't know who to trust.
It’s an effective, suspenseful thriller by writers Brian Clemens (The Avengers) and Terry Nation (Dr Who) that’s free of unnecessary gimmicks. It is unusual, though, in that it takes place entirely in daylight, using the backdrop of an idyllic Gallic retreat as contrast to murky village happenings.
I perhaps wouldn't urge anyone to rush out and buy it without already being a fan of the talent involved, but if it's on your TV some evening then, yes, it’s certainly worth setting time aside to watch.

3 forest tracks out of 5

Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972)

The devilish doctor with the poetic ramblings returns with another devious multi-part plan that involves a locale change to Egypt, but ever the intellectual means he doesn't forget to bring what he needs for the inventive deaths of those who oppose him. Inspector Trout, still treading the boards of comedy relief, is hot (well, tepid) on his heels. Strangeness ensues.
The dastardly is even more daft than before, but that phone call... wow!

3 clockwork musicians out of 5

The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)

The grand opening clues you in pretty quickly to what Phibes subsequently offers up: it’s a markedly strange horror/comedy that’s distinctly British in tone. It wouldn't have been out of place for Steed and his lady of choice in sexy boots to appear and take on the case. But that didn't happen; instead we follow Detective Inspector Trout (Peter Jeffrey) as he attempts to prevent Vincent Price from inflicting the ten plagues of Egypt upon a group of surgeons in an OTT vendetta. Price never ceases to amaze, despite his character being a difficult one to portray.

3½ creeping deaths out of 5