Experiment in Terror

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Experiment in Terror

Released Apr 13, 1962

2h 3m

Crime

Drama

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100%

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8 Reviews

79%

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1,000+ Ratings

Kelly Sherwood (Lee Remick) is a bank teller who is terrorized by murderer "Red" Lynch (Ross Martin). Red, whose asthmatic voice is heard through his many terrifying phone calls, threatens to kill Kelly if she doesn't steal a large sum of money from the bank. In an attempt to ensure her compliance, Red begins to threaten those closest to Kelly. Despite her terror, Kelly involves the F.B.I., including Agent Ripley (Glenn Ford), who works to capture Red before the villain can get to Kelly.

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Adam Nayman

The Ringer

The mix of methodical investigative protocol and aberrant psychology against a twisty San Francisco backdrop (including a climax at Candlestick Park during a Giants game) anticipates Bay City thrillers from Dirty Harry to Zodiac.

Apr 15, 2019

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Chris Wicking

Time Out

After Carpenter and De Palma, it may seem a little dated; yet Edwards' classical feel for pure cinema remains unalloyed.

Jan 26, 2006

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...erratic yet mostly satisfying...

Rated: 3/4

Oct 9, 2022

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Aptly grants a satisfyingly original murder-mystery experience.

Rated: 8/10

Aug 24, 2020

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

This stylish noir thriller is one of Blak Edwards' best films and one of the genre's highlights, well acted by Lee Remick, exquisitely shot by Philip Lathrop, and moodily composed by Henry Mancini, who contributes a great jazz score

Rated: A-

Dec 14, 2010

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Steve Crum

Video-Reviewmaster.com

One of director Blake Edwards' best w/terrific Mancini score.

Rated: 5/5

Jan 1, 2008

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Irene M

Can't recall why we watched it, but glad we did. Directed by Blake Edwards. Enjoyed Glen Ford. and frankly, watching a movie where NO ONE has a laptop or cell phone was quite refreshing.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/06/24

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Ed M

Good movie, but it has been done hundreds of times ("Death Wish" comes to mind as a bloodier version of it). Still, this is a good watch. Glenn Ford is always a pleasure, even if he isn't Bogart. Ross Martin as the killer is perfectly evil, and certainly belongs in any study of great movie villains. A young Stefanie Powers is also an Easter Egg for anyone who remembers her from the 1970's. Let's not forget the classic Henry Mancini music in this film!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/31/24

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nick s

Worth watching just for the sumptuous cinematography itself. A real "every frame a painting movie." The lead actress was marvellous and well supported by the rest of the cast. The plot in unfolded at a nice, unsettling pace.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/31/24

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Abe C

Beautiful-looking noir, excellent personnel, but the story is slack, too slow, implausible, trying. I found it unsatisfactory, unthrilling - I'm puzzled that the professionals are so keen on it.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

05/09/24

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Aino K

Hyvä elokuva. Jännittävä ja ajoittain pelottavakin. Hieno tunnelma, hyvä äänimaailma, tarina piti otteessaan. Loppukliimaksi ei lunastanut odotuksia/oli vähän lässähdys hienosti rakennetun tunnelman päätteeksi.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

If I taught a filming class I'd have Experiment In Terror in the syllabus under "Opening Scenes," as director Blake Edwards does a phenomenal job of establishing suspense, mood, and detailing the movie's premise in the first ten minutes. Credit goes to Henry Mancini's memorable score and Lee Remick's woman-in-danger lead role.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

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Blake Edwards

Director

Glenn Ford

John "Rip" Ripley

Lee Remick

Kelly Sherwood

Stefanie Powers

Toby Sherwood

Roy Poole

Brad

Ned Glass

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Synopsis

Kelly Sherwood (Lee Remick) is a bank teller who is terrorized by murderer "Red" Lynch (Ross Martin). Red, whose asthmatic voice is heard through his many terrifying phone calls, threatens to kill Kelly if she doesn't steal a large sum of money from the bank. In an attempt to ensure her compliance, Red begins to threaten those closest to Kelly. Despite her terror, Kelly involves the F.B.I., including Agent Ripley (Glenn Ford), who works to capture Red before the villain can get to Kelly.

Director: Blake Edwards
Producer: Blake Edwards
Screenwriter: The Gordons
Production Co: Geoffrey-Kate Productions
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 13, 1962, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 27, 2010
Runtime: 2h 3m

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