Lee Remick is an astronomer who really likes her … uh …
Experiment in Terror (1962) stars Glenn Ford as an FBI agent handling a case in which a bank teller, played by Lee Remick, is being forced to steal money from her employer. This is a movie with fine acting and a good story, but burdened by a few details that clash or are not brought to full fruition.
For example, at one point Ford agrees to meet a woman at her home to discuss her problem. He’ll meet her in an hour – but, clearly, several hours pass before he gets there. And we know her address – but it’s an apartment building, they go right to her apartment – how did they know? And what was her part in this, anyways? The entire subplot, as intriguing as it is – she has an “unusual” occupation – comes to nothing. It would have been more effective if her occupation had something to do with the main plot, but, sadly, it doesn’t.
There are other upsetting head feints. At one juncture, it’s suggested that perhaps this is a criminal – a murderer – with a heart of gold. But, again, this point is not pursued; it’s as if someone snapped on a spotlight and pointed into the sky, but nothing ever appears and it ends up doing nothing.
All that said, this is a creepy movie to watch. Information is released slowly, letting us think and wonder before the next twist is slowly delivered. It’s easy to miss plot holes if you’re not looking for them, and the performances are effective.
While this doesn’t quite achieve my Recommended level, if you like mildly noir movies, this may be worth your time.
And if you have a head cold like I do, it’s a good way to pass the time.
