Leah St. Aubyn (Susan Peters) is a courageous role model to all those around her. Paralyzed after saving her husband and his daughter from beautiful but treacherous coastline that fronts their magnificent mansion in the Cornish countryside she manages to keep an upbeat attitude in spite of the setback. In truth however she is a manipulative deceiver determined to keep the large family around her in the home for as long as possible.
Helmed by action director John Sturges (The Great Escape, Magnificent Seven) early in his career Ram moves along with a serene tension as the diabolical Leah juggles the emotions of the rest of the cast from the confines of her wheelchair with rumor and innuendo. Given the viewers omnipotent position, Leah's actions at times seem obvious due perhaps to the fact we are witness to her diabolical side they remind blind to.
The story within the story is even more compelling when one takes into account Ms. Peters had a promising career when she was in fact paralyzed in an accident. She soldiered on for a few more years appearing in theatre but eventually passed away in her early 30s. Witnessing her gallant effort here both distracts and adds to the fictional tragedy itself.
Helmed by action director John Sturges (The Great Escape, Magnificent Seven) early in his career Ram moves along with a serene tension as the diabolical Leah juggles the emotions of the rest of the cast from the confines of her wheelchair with rumor and innuendo. Given the viewers omnipotent position, Leah's actions at times seem obvious due perhaps to the fact we are witness to her diabolical side they remind blind to.
The story within the story is even more compelling when one takes into account Ms. Peters had a promising career when she was in fact paralyzed in an accident. She soldiered on for a few more years appearing in theatre but eventually passed away in her early 30s. Witnessing her gallant effort here both distracts and adds to the fictional tragedy itself.