Mrs. Amworth - 1975 TV short

CLASSICS DARK and DANGEROUS 1975 - MRS. AMWORTH

From what I can gather Mrs. Amworth was a pilot for an unmade Canadian / UK television horror anthology series, "Classics Dark and Dangerous" from 1975.  The episode is approximately 30 minutes in length and was adapted for television by Hugh Whitemore from a 1923 supernatural short story by E.F. Benson.  This television adaptation was directed by Alvin Rackoff and stars Glynis Johns as Mrs. Amworth.  Supporting cast includes John Phillips as Francis Urcombe, the resident occult expert, Derek Francis as Benson, the good pal of Mr. Urcombe and newcomer, Pip Miller as David, the visiting nephew of Benson and the unsuspecting victim of the film.  

Glynis Johns looks absolutely fantastic at 52. Her sexual allure and coy charm are still ever present.  In fact, I think I noted a sly twinkle in Glynis' eye as the dark and dangerous woman, Mrs. Amworth. She seems to be quite enjoying herself in the predatory villainous role.  Glynis Johns is simply delightful to watch in the role and adds a lot of charm and zest to this episode.

The fetching Mrs. Amworth saying, Good Evening to her guests

John Phillips plays the role of the local occult expert of the small town who can immediately sniff out paranormal shenanigans as they go down with complete ease.  You certainly don't want to be performing any secret supernatural activities with Mr. Urcombe in town, as he will immediately discover your sinister plan and have the appropriate counter-spell ready to roll out at a moments notice!  You have been warned. 

Derek Francis is also terrific, as Benson the sidekick of Mr. Urcombe, who has no idea what is going on, but believes in Mr. Urcombe without question.  And If Mr. Urcombe says, that woman is not human, well dab nabbit, he believes him without question!  

Mr. Urcombe and Benson on a supernatural stakeout at the cemetery

Lastly Pip Miller is the newbie as David, and he is young, handsome and naive.  Being that this is Pip Miller's second role noted on imdb, he does appear to a bit less relaxed than the other well-seasoned veteran actors, but I thought he did a good job nonetheless.

The ailing David cannot resist Mrs. Amworth's social calls

In 1977 it appears that Mrs. Amworth was repackaged as the first segment in a newly created horror anthology film entitled, "Three Dangerous Ladies", which appears to have been released on VHS in 1988.  Also included in the trilogy of stories are "The Mannikin" and "The Island".  I did not get the opportunity to see the film in this combined version, so I do not know if it is worth seeking out or not.  On a final note, it appears that E.F. Benson's story of Mrs. Amworth was put to film once again in 2007.  This time as a 90-minute straight to video production made for $30,000 and shot in Virginia, USA.  Again, I have not seen this interpretation so I do not know if it is worth recommending, but out of curiosity, I will probably seek it out.  

Three Dangerous Ladies, VHS 1988

Overall, I really enjoyed the 1975 version of Mrs. Amworth.  In particular, the scene in the cemetery is visually quite atmospheric and moody, and is really well done.  The episode moves quite swiftly, and does not allow time for much deeper backstory and narrative, but it does allow time for each of the actors to have fun in their part.  Most of the traditional horror cliches are there, and I for one, enjoyed it exactly for that very reason.  I would recommend this short film for vampire completists, fans of Glynis Johns and John Phillips, British television buffs and anyone who enjoys 70s traditional supernatural flair.  Enjoy!

Other Selected Supernatural / Horror credits for the Cast include:

• The Halfway House (1944) Glynis Johns
• Miranda (1948) Glynis Johns
• Mad About Men (1954) Glynis Johns
• Village of the Damned (1960) John Phillips
• One Step Beyond, Season 3, Episode 36, Eyewitness (1961) John Phillips
• The Cabinet of Caligari (1962) Glynis Johns
• Night Creatures (1962) Derek Francis
• The Tomb of Ligeia (1964) Derek Francis
• Rasputin: The Mad Monk (1966) Derek Francis
• Mystery and Imagination, Season 2, Episode 3, The Flying Dragon (1966) John Phillips
• The Mummy's Shroud (1967) John Phillips
• Torture Garden (1967) John Phillips
• The Vault of Horror (1973) Glynis Johns
• Thriller, Season 2, Episode 6, Color Him Dead, (1974) Derek Francis
• Thriller, Season 5, Episode 7, Murder Motel, (1975) Derek Francis
• To The Devil A Daughter (1976) Derek Francis

Director Alvin Rackoff's other supernatural / horror directorial credits include:

• Death Ship (1980) Canadian / UK Theatrical film with George Kennedy and Richard Crenna
• A Haunting Harmony (1993) Canadian / UK TV Movie with Francesca Annis