IMDb RATING
5.3/10
2.3K
YOUR RATING
A scheming circus owner finds her authority challenged when a vicious killer targets the show.A scheming circus owner finds her authority challenged when a vicious killer targets the show.A scheming circus owner finds her authority challenged when a vicious killer targets the show.
IMDb RATING
5.3/10
2.3K
YOUR RATING
- Aben Kandel(original story)
- Herman Cohen(original story)
- Stars
- Aben Kandel(original story)
- Herman Cohen(original story)
- Stars
- Aben Kandel(original story) (screenplay by)
- Herman Cohen(original story) (screenplay by)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaJoan Crawford was early on the set every day in order to personally make breakfast for some of the crew members.
- GoofsSeveral people have felt Monica seemed a bit old to be Angela's (who's a teenager) mother. However, off-screen, Joan Crawford is forty-four years older than Judy Geeson and even recent studies have shown that more women are giving birth to children in their late-thirties, early- mid- forties. Contrary to some belief, this is very likely.
- Quotes
Frank Hawkins: [when Matilda shows up in his caravan with a bottle and glasses] I don't drink.
Matilda: [pouring herself one] Then watch me.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Horrible Honeys (1988)
- SoundtracksIt Might Be Me
(uncredited)
Written by John Scott
Arranged by John Scott
Performed by George Claydon, Golda Casimir, Ted Lune, Milton Reid
[Performed at the London party]
Review
Featured review
Entertaining but implausible circus murder mystery...
Joan Crawford's fans will appreciate her foray into yet another horror show, this time as the feisty, hard-edged manager of a traveling circus show suddenly burdened with murders of several circus members. The careful photography cannot hide the fact that Crawford has aged considerably--and consequently, although her figure is still trim, her scenes with hunky Ty Hardin have an unpleasant and unbelievable quality about them.
The plot is strictly standard fare--who is responsible for the series of gruesome murders? For awhile, it looks like Joan herself is probably the wicked one--and there are a few other red herrings to make you think you know who did it. When the ending is revealed, in a climactic thunderstorm, it comes as a distinct letdown although a surprise, the reason being the guilty one is given no substance in the plot. The killer's identity seems highly implausible which makes the ending seem as though it has been merely tacked on to provide a final scene.
As these sort of things go, BERSERK isn't a bad way to pass the time on a low-budget mystery. The technicolor is good, Joan's costumes are fantastic, her shapely legs are on almost constant display and she uses her haughty manner to great effect. The details of circus life are smoothly integrated into the story and some of the animal acts are amusing--but none of the characters have any depth. Ty Hardin makes a handsome and arrogant stud whose daredevil highwire act provides some high moments of suspense as he performs over a row of spikes below. Like Crawford, he's given ample opportunities to show off his handsome physique.
Diana Dors makes the most of her role as an outspoken tart and all of the supporting performances are competent enough--Michael Gough, Judy Geeson and Robert Hardy. Certainly worth a view if you're a Crawford fan. The dialogue is ripe with campy one-liners.
Trivia note: The plot is slightly reminiscent of Barbara Stanwyck's LADY OF BURLESQUE where a series of backstage murders takes place with a slim plot involving a jealous performer.
The plot is strictly standard fare--who is responsible for the series of gruesome murders? For awhile, it looks like Joan herself is probably the wicked one--and there are a few other red herrings to make you think you know who did it. When the ending is revealed, in a climactic thunderstorm, it comes as a distinct letdown although a surprise, the reason being the guilty one is given no substance in the plot. The killer's identity seems highly implausible which makes the ending seem as though it has been merely tacked on to provide a final scene.
As these sort of things go, BERSERK isn't a bad way to pass the time on a low-budget mystery. The technicolor is good, Joan's costumes are fantastic, her shapely legs are on almost constant display and she uses her haughty manner to great effect. The details of circus life are smoothly integrated into the story and some of the animal acts are amusing--but none of the characters have any depth. Ty Hardin makes a handsome and arrogant stud whose daredevil highwire act provides some high moments of suspense as he performs over a row of spikes below. Like Crawford, he's given ample opportunities to show off his handsome physique.
Diana Dors makes the most of her role as an outspoken tart and all of the supporting performances are competent enough--Michael Gough, Judy Geeson and Robert Hardy. Certainly worth a view if you're a Crawford fan. The dialogue is ripe with campy one-liners.
Trivia note: The plot is slightly reminiscent of Barbara Stanwyck's LADY OF BURLESQUE where a series of backstage murders takes place with a slim plot involving a jealous performer.
helpful•226
- Doylenf
- May 30, 2002
Details
- 1 hour 36 minutes
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