Customer Reviews

Girly [VHS]

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4 star:		(3)
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Fans of British horror and black comedy should definitely track down this Freddie Francis film, which was not imaginatively marketed at the time of its release and was never able to connect with its proper audience. I saw this at the base theatre during my Air Force days. Films on base ran for only one day (three shows) and this was one of a handful that drew capacity crowds to the second and third shows due to "word of mouth" praise by those who attended the first screening.

Originally titled "Mumsy, Nanny, Sonny and Girly" the title was shortened to just "Girly", appropriate since Girly is the main character. It is definitely a product of its times. Imagine mixing "The Beguiled" with the television shows "The Avengers" and "The Prisoner". Francis was primarily a television director.

Like those shows, much of the humor comes from presenting extreme characters and situations as if they are nothing exceptional. In this case a nutty family of four (insert original title here) which includes a brother and sister far to old for their school uniforms.

Vanessa Howard plays the title character with a lot of sizzle and will remind viewers of Tisha Sterling, especially Sterling's portrayal of Ma Parker's daughter Legs on the Batman television show. She has a lot of fun with this role alternating instantly between playful child, coquettish flirt, and violent psychopath. Howard is a genuinely fine actress, although in "Girly" her short skirts and provocative scripting make it hard to concentrate on her acting skills.

This happy family lives on a large estate just outside London and amuse themselves by luring men there to serve as the children's playmates in various games supervised by Mumsy (Ursula Howells) and Nanny (Pat Heywood). When these new friends outlive their usefulness they are dispatched in novel ways and "sent to the angels". The last new friend believes himself a murderer and in time actually wants to become part the family, or anything else involving Girly. This sets things up for a cute twist at the end as Francis examines the fragility of sanity.

The best scene is a slick little seduction sequence around the pool table. As the new friend looks on Howard places a doll in each pocket and calmly circles the table, driving a ball into each doll's face. At the same time she keeps up a monologue about the punishment her playmate will receive if he should try to leave. Very cool.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

Great to see this out on dvd. Further evidence that England is home to the strangest people in the world. Behind a facade that's alternately prim-and-proper and cloyingly cute, this family is deeply disturbed. Fortunately, the family that slays together, stays together. Until.... There were axes swinging in the sixties, too.

This was a delightful surprise. The entire cast is superb, and the ambience is great as it was entirely filmed in an atmospheric English mansion and the surrounding gardens and forests. If you enjoy culture from the sixties, then this will please you greatly. And if you also enjoy British dark comedy, you're in for a fantastic treat. This actually is more of a surreal comedy than a real horror movie, so please don't expect any creepy or heavy vibe.

Vanessa Howard: I had never heard of her, and there is virtually no information about her online. She is stunning in this movie. I was trying to think who she reminded me of, and then it occurred to me: Sharon Tate, with a British accent. She obviously is insanely naughty and sinister in this flick. She is very attractive, and I was pleased to calculate that Ms. Howard was 22 when she played this role even though she is acting like she is younger. The actor who plays her brother is also brilliant. The mother admires her two little sweet "kids," even as they lure, torture, and kill dull-witted dupes. It is all presented in a rather far-fetched comedic fashion, and there is little gore for the faint of heart.

I rented this off of Netflix, but I certainly will buy it for my "Sixties Collection." It is worthy of certified "classic" status, although it apparently has not yet achieved even "cult" status. I think that will change now that it is on DVD. I give this a "Must-See" certification for all lovers of foreign, independent, obscure, off-beat cinema. I actually watched it twice, which I can rarely tolerate, and I enjoyed it the second time through even more than the first as there were so many little subtle flourishes which really added to the appeal.

Wow. Where do I even begin? The state of confusion is so intense, it is hypnotizing. From the moment they begin the movie, till the very end, you constantly ask yourself, "what the..?", or "what is going ON?!!" This movie is unforgettable. It's so different and so unusual and eccentric, you cannot take your eyes off of it. The main reason I sat through everything was in hopes that the movie will explain itself, or suddenly break back to reality and say, "ok, that was silly. now let's come to our homeland of the real world." But no, and that is probably the best thing about this film. I was never so glad I sat through that much confusion in my life. YOU NEED TO SEE THIS.

I remember seeing "Girly" durng my Navy experience and found it to be witty and very entertaining. I would encourage anyone who may own the rights to produce this movie in DVD format.