The Collector (1965)

Director:

William Wyler

Writers:

John Fowles (novel)
Stanley Mann (writer) ...

Release Date:

17 June 1965 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

Almost a love story

Plot:

A man kidnaps a woman and holds her hostage just for the pleasure of having her there.

Plot Keywords:

Butterfly | Bank | Bank Clerk | Friend | Art Student

Awards:

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 6 wins & 6 nominations

Cast

Terence Stamp	...	Freddie Clegg
Samantha Eggar	...	Miranda Grey
Mona Washbourne	...	Aunt Annie
Maurice Dallimore	...	The Neighbor

Also Known As:

The Butterfly Collector (UK)

Runtime:

119 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White (flashback sequence) | Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:16 | UK:X (1965) | West Germany:18 (nf) | Argentina:13 | Finland:(Banned) (1965) | Finland:K-18 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

Chilham, Kent, England, UK

Company:

Collector Company

Trivia:

According to Terence Stamp, Wyler wouldn't let Samantha Eggar off the set during the day. He also wouldn't allow her to eat with anyone else during the lunch break. Stamp argues Wyler knew what he was doing, as the director whispered to him one day on set, "I know this looks cruel, but we're going to get a great performance out of her."

Goofs:

Continuity: By the fireplace, Freddie's shirt changes from unbuttoned to buttoned awfully fast.

Quotes:

Freddie Clegg: Don't worry. I'll respect your every privacy.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Sound of Music: From Fact to Phenomenon (1994) (V)

A bite-your-nails-to-the-quick psycho-thriller

Upon second viewing about 40 years apart, this holds up beautifully. Samantha Eggar (as Miranda) and Terence Stamp (as Freddy) are ideally cast in their respective roles as an art student and the psychopath who kidnaps her. The book is more interesting, with more layers to it (i.e a love story that Miranda has with an older artist)but had to be altered for the screen to include dialogue which the book lacks. Terence Stamp is downright creepy, always trying to fit his obsessive requirements to the object of his desire. His mannerisms and slouch make his character completely believable. Trivia buffs will be interested to know that Kenneth More's part, as Miranda's lover, was completely eliminated from the final cut, here he is seen in only one scene and it is in semi-profile. The ending is terrifying and set me to thinking of how many of these crimes are committed while the rest of the world remains unaware forever. 8 out 10. Fabulous film.