House of Whipcord

I’ve always thought that this film was going to be one of those seedy, underground 1970s sexploitation films with no plot and lots of naked women being whipped left right and centre. However, I’m pleased to say that while it is low budget, with the odd flash of unnecessary flesh it is also quite a reasonable little horror that at times can be quiet harrowing.

Made by independent producer and director Pete Walker, it is the first of a trilogy of horror/thrillers that he made with writer David McGillivray during the 1970s. Classed as a WIP (Women In Prison) film, it is definitely a film with a message, beginning with the moral comment ‘This film is dedicated to those that are disturbed by lax moral codes of today, and those who eagerly await the return of corporal and capital punishment’. Walker has claimed that he shot the film to rub people up the wrong way, but that he wasn’t wholly happy with the amount of nudity in the film at the time. Remembering all this, it is actually quite a cleverly written British shocker that is very representative of the time it was made.

The film begins with dark shots, which make it quite tricky to see what is going on. This actually is a very effective way of making the viewer immediately uncomfortable. Who is this man sitting in a truck? What has happened to the girl, and more importantly what WILL happen to the girl? Both titles and sound track are typical of other horrors of the period and we then settle in to a swinging ’70s get together, where we meet Ann-Marie Di Verney (Penny Irving – ’70s ‘Page 3′ girl) a 19 year old French glamour model, all alone in London to make her fame and fortune. Ann-Marie is upset by the unveiling of her topless photograph at the party and retreats to the back of the room where she meets a mysterious stranger.

Our next introduction is to Ann-Marie’s flat mate, Julia, played by Ann Michelle (sister to Vicki, who played Yvette in 80s TV comedy ”Allo, ‘Allo’), who helps Ann-Marie to get ready f...