“Straight on Till Morning” is a 1972 British psychological thriller directed by Peter Collinson. The film stars Rita Tushingham, Shane Briant, and James Bolam.
The story revolves around Brenda Thompson (played by Rita Tushingham), a shy and introverted young woman who moves to London in search of independence and excitement. Brenda rents a room in a boarding house and begins working at a trendy boutique, where she meets and becomes infatuated with Peter (played by Shane Briant), a handsome and charming young man.
Despite her initial reservations, Brenda falls deeply in love with Peter and quickly becomes obsessed with him. However, as their relationship progresses, Brenda notices disturbing signs that Peter may not be who he seems. She becomes increasingly suspicious of his behavior and fears for her safety.
As Brenda’s paranoia grows, she finds herself isolated and alone, unable to trust anyone around her. She becomes convinced that Peter is plotting to harm her and resolves to uncover the truth about his intentions.
The tension escalates as Brenda delves deeper into Peter’s past, uncovering dark secrets and sinister revelations. Along the way, she crosses paths with various eccentric characters, including the enigmatic nightclub owner Jimmy (played by James Bolam), who may hold the key to unlocking the mystery surrounding Peter.
As Brenda’s mental state deteriorates, she finds herself trapped in a nightmarish world of deception and betrayal. She must rely on her wits and instincts to outsmart her adversaries and escape danger.
“Straight on Till Morning” explores obsession, paranoia, and the thin line between reality and illusion. Peter Collinson’s direction creates a sense of unease and suspense, while Rita Tushingham delivers a haunting performance as the vulnerable and haunted Brenda. “Straight on Till Morning” is a classic example of British psychological cinema.
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