Schoolgirls in Chains (1973)

The original title is Abductedand the Schoolgirl in Chains was created by a distributor who thought it would increase the commercial potential. Even if there are no schoolgirls in it.

Of course this is a descendant of Psycho and you also feel the kinship with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre(the most famous descendant) that would be released a year later. This Abucted may not contain any gore, but it does have a good build-up of story/tension. For me, the latter takes precedence anyway.

In addition to the physical vicissitudes of the ladies in captivity, the film is fascinating because of its insight into an abusive American family. Itt for example. TCM sheds light here on the deeper, not so beautiful relationships between 'Mom' and her 2 sons. For a grindhouse movie, this has some excellent performances, especially from the 2 sons. Direction and photography are exceptionally good: visually there is occasionally something happening with special lenses, angles, etc. The film also has a good music score.

Pleasantly surprised by the quality of this piece of typical sleazy seventies women in peril horror.

Translated from Dutch · View original