Brigitte Films, 1970

starring: Vanessa Howard, Howard Trevor, Ursula Howells, and Pat Heywood

directed by: Freddie Francis

the plot: In a huge Victorian mansion near London, a bizarre quartet lives in its own singular world: Mumsy, the sterling matriarch; Nanny, the uniformed nurse and caretaker; Sonny, the late-adolescent schoolboy; and Girly, his prim if flirtatious schoolgirl sister. Both Sonny and Girly are pushing 20 but behave and are treated like children by both Mumsy and Nanny. The “children” like nothing more than to bring home curious men from playgrounds. Each man becomes “New Friend” and is subjected to sadomasochistic games, which inevitably end in the ghastly death of the hapless victim. Only the arrival of a “New Friend” who’s wise to the family’s perversions (and beds the virginal Girly) can disrupt the family dynamic. 
why it’s good: It’s a safe bet to declare that this is one of the most unusual horror comedies ever made. Based on Maisie Mosco’s play, and originally released as “Mumsy, Nanny, Sonny and Girly,” it’s a miracle the film got made in 1970 (or anytime, for that matter—it certainly couldn’t be produced today). Director Freddie Francis, an Oscar-winning cinematographer (“The Elephant Man,” “Glory”), also directed some pretty predictable stuff for Hammer Films and Amicus Studios, such as “Dracula Has Risen From the Grave.” Using Brian Comport’s script as a springboard, Francis went to town with “Girly.” The film maintains a marvelous and delicate balance of the menacing, funny and horrific throughout its 101 minutes—not an easy feat. Vanessa Howard, in the title role, is amazing at conveying the fire-eyed and seductive entitlement of a spoiled brat. When this ripe peach loses her virginity, Howard touchingly exhibits regret, anger and guilt with admirable and convincing restraint. Francis stated before his death in 2007 that “Girly” was his best directorial effort, and a hell of a lot of fun to work on.
why you should own it: What’s not to like? This rare flower is now slowly finding an audience. Variety dubbed it “a macabre combo of Disney and Hammer,” and as apt as that description is, it doesn’t quite do this polished little gem justice. Frightening, funny, disturbing and sexy (Girly’s deflowering is handled with subtle eroticism), “Girly” is a must-see for anyone enthusiastic for the off-beat. The new DVD from Scorpion Releasing includes an interview with screenwriter Brian Comport and an audio interview with director Freddie Francis.