Movie spotlight
Persecution
We are in 1942, in the middle of the German Occupation, on an island opposite the coast of Asia Minor, where a mature woman, Katerina Rodeli, cares for a wounded resistance fighter named Kanaris. In her memory, there are images of the past, the panic of the Asia Minor catastrophe and especially the entrance of the tsets in her village. There she lost her three-year-old son, Konstantin, whom he never ceased to look for. However, the village's mackerel maharagrite handed it over to the Germans and, in the face of the danger, they were arrested along with the wounded and a boat ride on the Turkish coast to find themselves immediately enclosed in a refugee camp. His commander is a tough second lieutenant, Osen, who is bought by the English consulate of Izmir to transfer the fugitives to Egypt.
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy and cruel landowner, Sir Giles, has a young ward, Jan, whom he treats as a virtual prisoner. Jan is in love with a stable boy and plans to escape. Sir Giles, fearing Jan will expose his past misdeeds and depose him, resorts to extreme measures to keep her under his control. The film builds suspense as Jan and her lover attempt to outwit the menacing Sir Giles, leading to a dark and inevitable confrontation.
Critical Reception
Persecution received a mixed reception upon its release. While some critics praised its atmospheric tension and strong performances, particularly from Robert Morley, others found the plot somewhat predictable and the pacing uneven. It is generally considered a competent, if not groundbreaking, entry in the gothic horror genre of the era.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its gothic atmosphere and suspense.
Robert Morley's menacing performance is a standout.
Some found the plot to be overly familiar for the genre.
Google audience: Audience reviews are limited, but generally acknowledge the film's effective use of suspense and period setting, with some noting Robert Morley's impactful portrayal of the villain.
Fun Fact
The film was originally titled 'The Old Dark House' but was retitled 'Persecution' for its release, likely to distinguish it from other films with similar titles and to better reflect its darker themes.
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