CELEBRATING 70 YEARS! : REVENGE .. RANK ORGANISATION .. UK 1971 ..

 

THE RANK ORGANISATION

Presents

A Peter Rogers Production

REVENGE

Starring

JOAN COLLINS as Carol Radford

JAMES BOOTH as Jim Radford

RAY BARRETT as Harry

SINEAD CUSACK as Rose

TOM MARSHALL as Lee Radford

KENNETH GRIFFITH as Seely

ZULEIKA ROBSON as Jill Radford

ANGUS MACKAY as The Priest

GEOFFREY HUGHES as Delivery Man

BARRY ANDREWS as Sergeant

PATRICK MCALINNEY as George

Assistant Director - Stuart Freeman  Director of Photography - Ken Hodges  Art Director - Lionel Couch  Music by Eric Rodgers  Screenplay by John Kruse  Edited by Tony Paulk  Executive Peoducer - Peter Rogers

                                    Produced by George H Brown  Directed by Sidney Hayers

(c) 1971  Rank  89 Mins Color

When ten year old Jenny Radford is molested and murdered, her parents are determined to bring the murderer to justice. A hermit named Seely is the prime suspect, but is let out of police custody, due to the lack of evidence. Jim Radford, along with his son and a friend, abduct Seely and hold him prisoner under the public house he owns! Will the Radford family cope with the unseen presence and the tension that is mounting? Can they keep The Terror Under The House, locked Behind The Cellar Door?

Will they ever satisfy their thirst for Revenge?!

"Revenge" was the second of two films Joan appeared in for her old bosses at The Rank Organisation. She also appeared in "Quest For Love", which was almost filmed back to back with this release. Both films were produced by Peter Rogers, most famous for the "Carry On" series of comedy film. "Revenge" was set around a small town public house called "The Crown", with the interior of the pub constructed at Pinewood Studios, with great attention to detail.

Joan learning to pull a pint!

Joan with James Booth

The film's exteriors were shot at nearby Little Marlow in Buckinghamshire. The popular firm of brewers at that time, Bass Charrington provided the fittings and the booze for the production, with Joan having lessons in how to pull a pint! Joan's co-star James Booth was delighted to get the role of Jim Radford, as he previously was more associated with light comedy roles. 

 He commented at the time.

" Until "Revenge", nobody would take me seriously. But this is undoubtedly the best acting part I've ever had!"

Joan had just filmed "Quest For Love" and said of her role in "Revenge".

" "Quest For Love" was a different kind of film. This time there is no glamorous wardrobe by St Laurent or Dior! For the first time in my career, I found myself playing a publican's wife, a barmaid. I had never pulled pints i a pub before and I had great fun learning about life on the other side of the bar.
It was a fascinating part, quite unlike any other I've ever been offered."

After the film's release Joan commented on the film.

" Although it was not a box office hit or a work of art, an actor acts and a baker bakes and I needed the bread!"

USA video sleeve from 1980's

"Revenge" probably seemed daring at the time, as it dealt with the rape and murder of a child, but viewed today it can be best viewed as an entertaining slice of 70's sensationalism. While over the top in it's protrayal of it's subject, Joan is believable as the tough yet fragile landlady. The film was saddled with various silly titles in the USA , including "Terror From Under The House" and "Beyond The Cellar Door".

USA Title poster

'Revenge' has been released on video many times over the years under various titles 'Terror Under The House', 'Behind The Cellar Door', 'After Jenny Died' & 'Inn Of The Frightened People'. There has been a number of dvd releases most recently from Network which you can order here..

ORDER REVENGE ON DVD HERE!