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The Killing Kind
Our Price: $12.99 Prices subject to change.
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Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 0023975074432
Format: Collector's Edition, Color, NTSC
Number Of Items: 1
Release Date: January 01, 1956
Running Time: 86 minutes
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Editorial Review:
This Curtis Harrington rarity, finally released after many years locked in vaults, rivals Games visually but might be his masterpiece because of its truly chilling plot. The Killing Kind is a disturbing psychological thriller about a mother-son relationship gone awry as the mother discovers that her son is a serial killer. In this Freudian drama, Terry (John Savage) is released from prison after a two-year stint following a rape charge, heading straight for the support of his mother, Thelma (Ann Sothern), as he relocates to her cat-infested mansion. Immediately, their odd, incestuous relationship reveals itself, as they neglect the outside world to revel in shared morbid fantasies. The first death reference occurs in a bizarre scene in which the two laugh uproariously over an elderly neighbor's death, while Thelma flings bacon around in the kitchen. Her overprotective attitude towards Terry is developed as the motivation behind his inability to interact with women his age in a loving manner. When roommate Lori (Cindy Williams) moves in, for example, Terry spies on her undressing through a barred window, petting their cat so vigorously that he strangles it. From here, Terry's predatorial obsessions escalate until Thelma is forced to cover for her son's brutally twisted crimes. Terrifying moments throughout the film are conveyed through gorgeous camera work and drawn symbolic connections between phallic totems and weaponry. The best aspect of the film is its script, which is eerily psychotic and authentic. An added bonus on this DVD is an interview with Harrington recalling highlights in his career. The release of The Killing Kind serves as a tribute to this auteur's recent death, which hopefully will encourage new viewers to investigate Harrington's fascinating, horrific oeuvre. --Trinie Dalton
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Be careful of what version you purchase!
Only one of the reviews for this film belongs here.The video box picture shown above of a man walking carrying a gun and a briefcase is a totally different movie with the same title.This film does not feature Ann Sothern,John Savage or Cindy Williams and was not directed by Curtis Harrington.The movie for the picture shown is a British film from The 2000s not the American-made drive-in classic from The '70s about a serial killer that features a young,scantily clad Cindy Williams.Buyer beware!
Rating:  - You've got to be cruel to be kind, in the right measure
Terry (John Savage, The Deer Hunter) returns to his mother Thelma's (Ann Sothern) crumbling Los Angeles mansion after serving two years in prison for his participation in the alleged gang rape of a young girl (Sue Bernard, Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!). Renting out rooms in their home to elderly women, Mama and Junior share their first big laugh talking about the undignified demise of one of their former tenants. Terry has a score to settle, as he runs his former accuser's car off the road and then ... Read More
Rating: - Serial Sex Killer
The Killing Kind is a movie about a young man who has a very controlling and obsessive mother. This same theme rings true in a lot of psycho type films. Terry returns home from some type of institution, I'm guessing a criminal detention center of some sort. When he comes home he moves back in with his deranged mother who operates a boarding house. Terry's urges become too much for him to suppress and he begins to act out again. Great acting for a movie that probably didn't receive much attention. ... Read More
Rating: - kind of killing time
I bought this on the merits of curtis harrington. it is a very good movie. in fact too good with the exception of a couple of fantasies and surreal moments the film could almost be taken on a real level. it is a creepy picture. made when horror films were just that creepy. heavy on the atmosphere. the main actors all do such a great job with their roles, you almost forget who they are, almost. Shirley Feinney as you never seen her before or since. and Ann Sothern her looks and facial expressions tell ... Read More
Rating: - Macabre, terrifying journey into world of a pyschopath....
Shocking, mesmorizing, & riveting pyschothriller destined for "classic" status, this terrifing and intense movie finally gets the treatment it deserves with what may be it's first ever US dvd release. A wonderful glimpse into the wonderful, wacky, and raw 70's, the "golden age" of horror, the movie dares to take itself seriously, and takes on the daunting task of telling an unattracitve story that revolves around almost entirely unlikeable characters, including a protagonist who's a serial killer. ... Read More
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