Forgotten Faces
Harry Ashton is a superstitious gambling house owner, who relies on sprigs of heliotrope as his good luck charm. One day, Harry catches his wife, Cleo with another man. Harry shoots him and takes his 18 month old daughter, Sally to best friend, Sgt. Donovan to find her a good home. Harry turns himself in and gets life in prison. 17 years pass, Cleo is on the brinks of losing her job as a burlesque dancer. Cleo decides to blackmail the McBrides (Sally's devoted adoptive parents). Harry discovers this and promises his warden that while on parole he will protect Sally. Harry trades places with the McBride's butler. While working, Harry discovers a letter addressed to the McBrides from Cleo asking to meet with her. Harry meets with Cleo instead and they begin to fight...
Insights
Plot Summary
In 1930s New York, a psychiatrist becomes entangled in a series of murders linked to a mysterious cult that believes in facial disfigurement for spiritual cleansing. As the body count rises, he must race against time to uncover the cult's leader and their sinister motives before he becomes their next victim. The film delves into themes of identity, obsession, and the dark side of human psychology.
Critical Reception
Forgotten Faces is a lesser-known entry in the horror genre, often overlooked but appreciated by genre enthusiasts for its unsettling atmosphere and psychological terror. While not a mainstream success upon release, its unique premise and dark tone have garnered a cult following over the years, with critics noting its ahead-of-its-time exploration of disturbing themes.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its genuinely creepy atmosphere and unsettling premise.
- Acknowledged for its exploration of psychological horror and identity.
- Noted as an interesting, albeit obscure, entry in pre-Code horror cinema.
Google audience: Audience reception is not widely available for this older film, but its niche appeal suggests it resonates with viewers who appreciate atmospheric and psychologically driven horror.
Fun Fact
The film was directed by Erle C. Kenton, who also helmed other notable horror films like 'House of Frankenstein' and 'The Ghost of Frankenstein'.
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