PRETTY POISON (1968). Director: Noel Black.
A twisted romance develops between a disturbed young man named Dennis Pitt (Anthony Perkins of
Chillers) and an even more disturbed young woman named Sue Ann Stepanek (Tuesday Weld). Pitt, who was institutionalized for a time, draws Sue Ann into games in which he pretends he's a CIA agent involving her in his dangerous assignments. This leads to more than one murder and a plot by Pitt to get even with the man who fired him. Reasonably entertaining film holds the attention and features some good performances -- especially from Beverly Garland as Sue Ann's unpleasant mother -- and is very well photographed by David Quaid. Good supporting performances from John Randolph and Dick O'Neill (of
Gammera, the Invincible). Screenplay by Lorenzo Semple Jr. Noel Black also directed
Prime Suspect.
Verdict: Some good moments but nothing really special. **1/2.
