What other rating could you possibly give "Only a Scream Away" other than 10 out of 10 - unless it was 20 out of 10. I don't necessarily agree that the later episodes were weaker. I think that was a strong feature of the series that apart from a weak episode (I didn't really like "Spell of Evil" for example, just my own preference) here and there, the whole series was excellent ("Screamer" was from Season 4, for example). Another point that makes Brian Clemen's "Thriller" fantastic, is how many of the episodes stick in your memory. I have never forgotten "File it Under Fear" and "I'm the Girl He Wants to Kill" after seeing them in the early 70s.
Other reviewers have detailed the plot about a pair of newlyweds who meet a lonely man (Gary Collins) who seems very eager to be friends with them. The horror starts on her wedding day, as Samantha's wedding dress is spattered with red paint as she walks from the church - but who did it?? There is already a suspect in Tom Manners, the best man, who carries a torch for Samantha. He is played in a hyped up, frenetic way by Jeremy Bulloch. Looking through her wedding presents she finds a stained glove, a relic from her childhood - but Samantha can't remember anything before she was 5 as she was traumatized by her parent's death. Her protective aunt (played by the wonderful Joyce Carey) seems to have seen the reclusive man before - and he definitely recognises her name. Her Aunt also goes to great lengths to keep an old photo album away from Samantha!!!
Was Hayley Mills ever anything but gorgeous - she played Samantha very well. Gary Collins was also excellent at portraying the loner with a secret.
Highly, Highly Recommended.
Other reviewers have detailed the plot about a pair of newlyweds who meet a lonely man (Gary Collins) who seems very eager to be friends with them. The horror starts on her wedding day, as Samantha's wedding dress is spattered with red paint as she walks from the church - but who did it?? There is already a suspect in Tom Manners, the best man, who carries a torch for Samantha. He is played in a hyped up, frenetic way by Jeremy Bulloch. Looking through her wedding presents she finds a stained glove, a relic from her childhood - but Samantha can't remember anything before she was 5 as she was traumatized by her parent's death. Her protective aunt (played by the wonderful Joyce Carey) seems to have seen the reclusive man before - and he definitely recognises her name. Her Aunt also goes to great lengths to keep an old photo album away from Samantha!!!
Was Hayley Mills ever anything but gorgeous - she played Samantha very well. Gary Collins was also excellent at portraying the loner with a secret.
Highly, Highly Recommended.