Lady In A Cage (1964)

During a long and hot 4th of July weekend, a wealthy woman (Olivia De Havilland) finds herself trapped in her home elevator when the power goes out. But that's the least of her problems when her home is invaded first by a wino (Jeff Corey, overacting appallingly) and an old hooker (Ann Sothern) then by three strung out junkies (James Caan, Rafael Campos, Jennifer Billingsley). Directed by Walter Grauman, this thriller is often relegated to the hag horror genre which is unfair. It's more of a psychological thriller than a horror movie although there are certainly horror elements. The film's emphasis seems to be on the indifference of mankind toward his fellow man. Shot in 14 days, the movie shocked the biddies of the day with the New York Times film critic Bosley Crowther calling it "reprehensible" and gossip maven Hedda Hopper declaring the film should be burned. Over 50 years later, it hasn't lost its power to shock. One has to admire De Havilland's commitment in a physically demanding as well as psychological role. With Scatman Crothers and William Swan.