Crescendo (1970 film)

Hammer Film Productions

Company type	Film production company
Industry	Film
Founded	1934
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Films

Crescendo is a British psychological thriller from 1970, directed by Alan Gibson and produced under the Hammer Film Productions banner. The cast features Stefanie Powers, James Olson, Margaretta Scott, Jane Lapotaire, and Joss Ackland. Made with a budget of £302,000, the film was distributed by Warner Bros. and has a runtime of 95 minutes.

Plot

Susan Roberts, a music student, journeys to southern France to study the works of the deceased composer Henry Ryman. During her stay, she encounters Georges, Ryman’s drug-addicted son, along with his unconventional family. As Susan delves into the incomplete Ryman concerto, she discovers a vacant piano and a grotesquely mutilated mannequin. Georges points out that Susan bears a striking resemblance to his former lover, yet she may not be the sole individual with an enigmatic double residing at the estate.

Cast

• Stefanie Powers as Susan Roberts
• James Olson portraying Georges Ryman / Jacques Ryman
• Margaretta Scott as Danielle Ryman
• Jane Lapotaire in the role of Lillianne
• Joss Ackland as Carter
• Kirsten Lindholm playing Catherine (credited as Kirsten Betts)

Production

The screenplay was penned by Alfred Shaughnessy during the mid-1960s. In 1966, Michael Reeves introduced the script to Hammer Films. James Carreras endeavored for two years to bring the project to fruition with Joan Crawford attached but was unable to secure funding. The film was eventually revived in 1969 when Jimmy Sangster revised the script and Alan Gibson took on directing duties.

Release

Crescendo had its London debut on 7 May 1970 at the New Victoria Theatre. It was widely released on 7 June 1970 by Warner-Pathé, serving as a supporting feature to Taste the Blood of Dracula. In the United States, Warner Brothers released it on November 29, 1972.

Home media

In March 2009, the Warner Archive Collection issued Crescendo on DVD.

Box office

The movie did not achieve commercial success at the box office.

Critical reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin characterized it as a conventional Hammer horror film delivered with enthusiasm, praising Alan Gibson's skillful use of color and dreamlike sequences. Although some dialogue was considered weak and Jane Lapotaire’s acting appeared exaggerated, Margaretta Scott’s portrayal of a descent into madness received commendation. Stefanie Powers was recognized as an engaging lead. The review emphasized the film’s combination of suspenseful elements and surprising narrative turns.