Thriller (TV Series) Only a Scream Away (1974) User Reviews

Great start to the second series

[analoguebubblebath · 8/10 · 10 September 2005]

'Only A Scream Away' kicks off Thriller's second series in impressive style. Powerful acting performances from Gary Collins and Hayley Mills make this an unsettling must see which deals very effectively with the theme of obsessive nostalgia for one's childhood.

Robert and Samantha Miller are newlyweds whose wedding is slightly marred by a sinister red paint bomb attack which splatters the bride's dress. Upon their return they are perplexed to receive a single white glove as a wedding gift. Later on that week Samantha discovers the other glove in the pair while sorting through a old chest of childhood toys.

Cue the arrive of Howard Heston, a friendly but intense American, who bears an unhealthy interest in Samantha and her past. This coincides with a series of unfortunate accidents involving Samantha's Aunt Liz and her husband. Just what role has Heston to play - in Samantha's past and present? 'Only A Scream Away' is a strong and gripping mystery - watch out for Collins in two later installments of Thriller.

Not The Best Thriller

[IanIndependent · 6/10 · 19 July 2021]

I used to love Saturday Night Thrillers as a kid in the early 70s. I am now slowly working my way through them again with adult eyes. Unfortunately, 'Only A Scream Away' is not one of the best. Hayley Mills has her usual screen presence and Gary Collins does a great, creepy, Anthony Perkins type transformation at the end but as a whole this episode is totally predictable and that means the shocks don't have impact.

I suppose as a 12 year old I was scared as I always was but now this is worth looking at more for it's retro appeal than any great thrills.

A creepy bloke, child hood memories and a windmill

[coltras35 · 6/10 · 4 February 2023]

Robert and Samantha Miller are newlyweds whose wedding is slightly marred by a sinister red paint bomb attack which splatters the bride's dress. Later, Upon returning from their honeymoon the couple discover the smashed remnants of their wedding cake and a mysterious gift - one soiled glove. Could it be a warning? Does someone hold a grudge against the couple?

Another well-acted psychological thriller with enough suspense and a sinister undercurrent to keep one interested. Gary Collins, a neighbour to the newly-weds, is obviously creepy as he has items which link to Hayley Mills childhood. Soon as he enters her life, tragic things occur. Hayley Mills is excellent as is Joyce Carey, who is suspicious of Collins. The finale is quite gripping and dramatic.

What a start to Series two.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 6 January 2018]

Only a scream away was a wonderful opening entry to the second series. It's a true psychological thriller, boasting a superb story line, great characters, excellent performances and a true threat throughout. It starts as it means to go on, you know from the wedding that life isn't going to be peaches and cream for Samantha, but as it develops you see the true torture she's out through. Strong production values, great accompanying music, this episode is a real high. Hayley Mills and Gary Collins shine in particular, the conclusion is fantastic. I also found Joyce Carey charming as Liza.

It's a twisted thriller that develops neatly, a high point in the Thriller anthology series. 9/10

Hayley Mills Was Always Gorgeous!!!

[kidboots · 10/10 · 8 February 2011]

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.