Sin You Sinners

Sarno's first film reveals him to be a little shaky in the directorial department, but already producing robust, bizarre scenarios dealing with his favourite themes. There's the occultism, ritual and existentialism; early sixties anomie and a desire to escape a mundane world; covetousness, betrayal and guilt; incestuous relations; exploitation of the weak by the cynical and the search for power over others; and an overall hopelessness temporarily breached by lust and abandonment to the supernatural. This one takes place in a sleazier milieu than usual, but features no nudity or sex (and the stripper is in her late forties at least!). The performances, though lacking grace, are done with conviction, and the lead actress bears a striking resemblance to Joanne Whalley Kilmer.