This was a delightful surprise. The entire cast is superb, and the ambience is great as it was entirely filmed in an atmospheric English mansion and the surrounding gardens and forests. If you enjoy culture from the sixties, then this will please you greatly. And if you also enjoy British dark comedy, you're in for a fantastic treat. This actually is more of a surreal comedy than a real horror movie, so please don't expect any creepy or heavy vibe.
Vanessa Howard: I had never heard of her, and there is virtually no information about her online. She is stunning in this movie. I was trying to think who she reminded me of, and then it occurred to me: Sharon Tate, with a British accent. She obviously is insanely naughty and sinister in this flick. She is very attractive, and I was pleased to calculate that Ms. Howard was 22 when she played this role even though she is acting like she is younger. The actor who plays her brother is also brilliant. The mother admires her two little sweet "kids," even as they lure, torture, and kill dull-witted dupes. It is all presented in a rather far-fetched comedic fashion, and there is little gore for the faint of heart.
I rented this off of Netflix, but I certainly will buy it for my "Sixties Collection." It is worthy of certified "classic" status, although it apparently has not yet achieved even "cult" status. I think that will change now that it is on DVD. I give this a "Must-See" certification for all lovers of foreign, independent, obscure, off-beat cinema. I actually watched it twice, which I can rarely tolerate, and I enjoyed it the second time through even more than the first as there were so many little subtle flourishes which really added to the appeal.
