The Tale of the Dean's Wife
The Tale of the Dean's Wife

Movie spotlight

The Tale of the Dean's Wife

1970
Movie
73 min
English

A group of rebellious students, who practice free love and anarchism, tries to get their conservative dean to give in to their demands. He refuses, but his nymphomaniac wife is willing. Things end in tragedy for some.

Insights

IMDb4.6/10
Director: Michael W. MichaelGenres: Drama, Horror

Plot Summary

A lonely and disturbed woman named Brenda lives in isolation with her possessive mother. After her mother's death, Brenda inherits a vast fortune and a large estate, but her sanity begins to unravel. She becomes obsessed with a former lover of her mother's, leading to increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior as she tries to recreate the past.

Critical Reception

The Tale of the Dean's Wife is a largely forgotten exploitation film, noted primarily for its cult status among fans of obscure and low-budget horror. It received minimal critical attention upon its release and is generally considered a product of its time, with performances and production values reflecting its independent and often amateurish origins. While some appreciate its campy elements and unique atmosphere, it is not widely recognized for artistic merit.

What Reviewers Say

  • A bizarre and unsettling low-budget horror film with a cult following.

  • Features a notable performance from Gloria Grahame in a later-career role.

  • Praised for its unique, if amateurish, atmosphere and disturbing themes.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the film's obscurity. Those who have seen it often highlight its strange tone and the presence of Gloria Grahame, with some finding it enjoyably campy while others dismiss it as poorly made.

Fun Fact

Despite its low-budget and obscure nature, the film features a notable performance from Gloria Grahame, an Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in classic Hollywood films like 'The Big Heat'.

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