The Silent Scream (1979)

A college student (Rebecca Balding) rents a room in a secluded but dilapidated beach mansion turned boarding house. When one (John Widelock) of the boarders is found stabbed to death on the beach, it is just the beginning of a series of violent deaths. Directed by Denny Harris, this low budget horror movie is surprisingly effective. The film was quickly and cheaply reshot and partially recast after the first cut was deemed unreleasable. Diane McBain was replaced by Cameron Mitchell and Barbara Steele, Yvonne De Carlo and Avery Schreiber were brought in for name value while the young unknowns were kept. The mansion itself is a marvelously creepy relic and provides an unsettling atmosphere. The film never rises above its B horror movie status (and the ensuing cliches) and would have benefited from some originality but for the most part, it holds the interest. The film's major nagging point is Roger Kellaway's derivative score which is overly influenced by Bernard Herrmann. With Steve Doubet, Brad Reardon, Thelma Pelish and Juli Andelman.