House of Mortal Sin (1976)

"He's gone out again, I'm afraid... you're all alone again... with me.", 29 March 2006

I've really got to disagree with most of the reviews I've read on House of Mortal Sin (I prefer that title to The Confessional). Most reviewers seem to see it as one of Pete Walker's weaker films. I saw it as one of his best – second only to House of Whipcord. It's an entertaining tale of one Priest's madness and the young girl who tries to reveal his secret. Instead of uncovering the truth, she's the one who is labeled "mad" for making such accusations against such a respected figure. She can't get anyone to believe her until it's too late.

House of Mortal Sin includes some really suspenseful and tense moments. Viewing the picture, you learn early on just what the Priest is capable of. He's a holier-than-thou, above reproach figure who relishes his perversions and is quite at ease with viciously disposing of those who he feels stand in his way. It's really creepy watching the way he twists religion to meet his depraved desires. And to see the twinkle in his eye as he's trying to get the young girl to discuss her sex life is quite disturbing.

Pete Walker was capable of getting more out of a group of relative unknown actors than most any director I've seen. As I've already alluded to, Anthony Sharp is outstanding as the demented Father Xavier Meldrum. Stephanie Beacham, Susan Penhaligon, and Norman Eshley all give terrific performances. And what can you really say about the genius of Shelia Keith. The woman was amazing. In the grand scheme of things, I'm a relative newcomer to Pete Walker's films. So my experiences with Keith are also relatively recent in nature. Still, having been aware of the woman for less than a year, I'm ready to put Keith on a list of my favorite actresses in horror movies alongside the likes of Barbara Steele and Edwige Fenech. Obviously, Keith is a different kind of actress with a vastly different style and look, but she's every bit their equal in the pleasure I derive from her work.

7/10