The Strangler *** (1963, Victor Buono, David McLean, Ellen Corby, Diane Sayer, Jeanne Bates) – Classic Movie Review 3760

Victor Buono, fresh from his success in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962), is creepily effective as lab technician Leo Kroll, a mountainous, mother-mad maniac who bumps off nurses in director Burt Topper’s cheaply made, but gripping and gruesomely compelling 1963 serial killer horror movie.

Eerily, it is set in Boston and made at the time the real-life Boston Strangler was on the rampage at his deadly work and released less than three months after the Strangler claimed his final victim.

With Buono’s performance, Ellen Corby as the mother Mrs Kroll, and Topper’s direction, it is well done of its exploiter kind.

Also in the cast are David McLean as Lt. Frank Benson, Diane Sayer, Jeanne Bates as the nurse Clara Thomas, Wally Campo, Mimi Dillard, Baynes Barron as Sgt. Mack Clyde, Davey Davison, James B Sikking, Michael Ryan as Detective Mel Posner and Russ Bender as Dr Clarence Sanford.

Buono puffed smoke into his eyes to create tears. Leo Kroll’s mother fixation reflects that of the real Boston Strangler.

Tony Curtis plays Albert DeSalvo in The Boston Strangler (1968) the true story of Albert DeSalvo, the self-confessed Boston Strangler, and of what he did to 13 women.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 3760

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