Maybe it was because I was born female, or because I was only seven years old, but when I first watched this little thriller, boy did it had a profound effect
on me. I truly was creeped out for days, looking at everyone sideways in case they just might be a homicidal maniac in disguise. Watching it today, I still
found it very enjoyable, and had a great time seeing it again, but was acutely aware of how different women are portrayed in these types of films today versus
the 70s. Near the end of the film, there is a scene where one of the women is being attacked by the killer and all the other women are standing off in the
distance wimp-ally throwing rocks at the guy who actively strangling their friend. Finally, they do pounce the guy and fight to remove the crazy brute from
their friends throat, but man, it took them long enough! This of course, never occurred to me in 1971, as I too felt paralyzed with shock amd fear, but now,
if the movie was ever remade, I can pretty much guarantee that those "Desperate Women" would have jumped and kicked that psychopaths *ss!
Overall, I recommend this thriller. I think the film holds up well, has a good cast and keeps you interested. It also keeps you guessing--- Who is the killer? Is it the boat's captain, Bradford Dillman or the Island's handyman, Robert Conrad? I'll never tell. (I watched it with my 9 year old daughter and she had a lot a fun too as she was genuinely spooked and shocked just as I was some 37 years ago).
The Five Desperate Women are: Stefanie Powers, Denise Nicholas, Joan Hackett, Anjanette Comer and Julie Sommars.
Anyone else care to comment?
Overall, I recommend this thriller. I think the film holds up well, has a good cast and keeps you interested. It also keeps you guessing--- Who is the killer? Is it the boat's captain, Bradford Dillman or the Island's handyman, Robert Conrad? I'll never tell. (I watched it with my 9 year old daughter and she had a lot a fun too as she was genuinely spooked and shocked just as I was some 37 years ago).
The Five Desperate Women are: Stefanie Powers, Denise Nicholas, Joan Hackett, Anjanette Comer and Julie Sommars.
Anyone else care to comment?
