Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1964)

Director:

Bryan Forbes

Writers:

Bryan Forbes (screenplay)
Mark McShane (novel)

Release Date:

5 November 1964 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Plot:

Myra, a self-styled psychic in London, concocts a scheme to gain celebrity. She convinces Billy, her weak-willed husband...

Plot Keywords:

Ransom | Seance | Kidnapping | Little Girl | Medium

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 7 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Kim Stanley	...	Myra Savage
Margaret Lacey	...	Woman at first Seance
Marie Burke	...	Woman at first Seance
Maria Kazan	...	Woman at first Seance
Lionel Gamlin	...	Man at Seances
Marian Spencer	...	Mrs. Wintry
Richard Attenborough	...	Billy Savage
Godfrey James	...	Mrs. Clayton's Chauffeur
Judith Donner	...	Amanda Clayton
Ronald Hines	...	Policeman outside Clayton's
Hajni Biro	...	Maid at Clayton's
Mark Eden	...	Charles Clayton
Nanette Newman	...	Mrs. Clayton
Diana Lambert	...	Sheila - Mr. Clayton's Secretary
Frank Singuineau	...	Bus Conductor

Also Known As:

Séance on a Wet Afternoon

Runtime:

USA:115 min | UK:121 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

UK:A (original rating) | UK:PG (video rating) | Australia:M | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15

Filming Locations:

41 Marryat Road, Wimbledon, London, England, UK

Company:

Beaver Films

Trivia:

During filming, Richard Attenborough developed kidney stones and was unable to work for an entire day. Since filming was on such a tight schedule, director Bryan Forbes got into costume played his role for some shots.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: As Myra looks outwards through the rain spattered window of a child's nursery, the rain falls unnaturally onto the panes - in two bursts - as though it were sprays from a hose or watering can.

Quotes:

Myra Savage: So bright after a séance. Brightness just seems to fall from the air.

Movie Connections:

References 55 Days at Peking (1963)

Soundtrack:

Hear my Prayer

Kim Stanley is fantastic!

This little seen film stars one of America's greatest actresses in one of Britian's greatest thrillers. Kim Stanley was an excellent Method actress. I agree that she very much reminds me of Geraldine Page, another brilliant actress. The way she says her lines, or uses her hands and face is very much like Page. (Ironically, Page turned down this role!)

I'm not going to get too much into the plot because I don't want to give too much away. If you want to know more about the plot, then check out some of the other comments. Let's just say great acting by the entire cast, and a good tense story, make for a night of suspense. So turn out the lights and enjoy!

PS: If you're looking for a copy of this video don't forget to check your public library.