Synopsis

An entirely unique and utterly bizarre rediscovery, John J. Parker's Dementia is a 1950s-style foray into the mind of psycho-sexual madness. Set entirely in a nocturnal twilight zone that blends dream imagery with the cinematic stylings of film noir, Dementia follows the tormented existence of a young woman haunted by the horrors of her youth, which transformed her into a stiletto-wielding, man-hating beatnik.

Accompanied by George Antheil's sci-fi score, the camera follows a "Gamin" (Adrienne Barrett) on a surreal sleepwalk through B-movie hell, populated by prostitutes, pimps and would-be molesters, all photographed by William Thompson (Plan 9 From Outer Space, Maniac, Glen or Glenda?).

Two years after its original release, a narration track of foreboding psychobabble (diabolically spoken by Ed McMahon) was added to Dementia, some controversial scenes were cut and the title was changed to the more sensational Daughter Of Horror. For 45 years, only this revamped bersion has ever been shown. This Kino on Video edition presents the original cut of Dementia, digitally mastered from the 35mm negative, as well as the complete Daughter Of Horror (U.S. 1957. 55 mins. B&W.) from a 35mm print, and other rare souvenirs of this most peculiar motion picture achievement.

Critical Acclaim

"One of the strangest movies ever made." - Jim Morton, RE/Search: Incredibly Strange Films

Back to Index