Classic Horror Films: Day 24 (SCREAMING MIMI - 1958)

Part psychological thriller, part film noir and part slasher film comes this vastly underrated gem from 1958 starring Anita Ekberg as a young woman named Virginia who was attacked by an knife wielding psychopath. She is saved by her step-brother but is severely traumatized by the event. She is treated by a psychiatrist and time passes when she returns to work as an exotic dancer at a club run by Joann (played by the legendary Gypsy Rose Lee). Everything is ok until Virginia is attacked again and a reporter named Sweeney (played by Philip Carey) gets involved with Virigina's past history. This is one wild movie with Ekberg give an understated but effective performance. Her dance routines are not everyday routines as she appears to be dealing with her issues through dancing. A great dane named Devil is her loyal protector. Once an attack is made on her life again, the police do everything they can to find the killer before it's too late. Good stuff.