DVD Review: Who Killed Teddy Bear (1965)

‘Rebel without a Cause’ is regarded as James Dean’s finest film – searing onto the pop cultural retina the most profound image/embodiment of youthful potency-EVER. The camera’s homocentric obsession with his character, Jim, arguably mirrors that of his friend, the troubled and sensitive Plato, played by the painfully handsome, Sal Mineo. Oscar nominated for this role, his powerful portrayal of a young man teetering on the brink whilst fighting personal demons makes the film equally his.

In Who Killed Teddy Bear, Sal Mineo brings a similar emotional balancing act to his portrayal of Lawrence Sherman, a busboy in a New York discothèque. As the story unfolds, Norah (Juliet Prowse), a DJ at the club, becomes the target of abusive phone calls. A police Lieutenant (Jan Murray) takes an increasingly keen and personal interest in Norah as does her female boss. Suspicious of most people around her, Norah tries to work out who the culprit is. Lawrence meanwhile, revealed as the stalker, continues with his voyeuristic activities becoming more unhinged as he recalls traumatic past experiences.

Banned 60s documentary West End Jungle heads to DVD

Banned back in the day, the West End Jungle documentary has now passed the UK censor, heading to DVD in January 2009.

It's described as the ‘seedy reality’ of the sex industry of the early sixties in Soho, looking at how the industry survived attempts to 'clean up' the streets - finding a home in a new breed of members club. Indeed, director Arnold L. Miller films in those seedy night clubs, interviewing the girls involved and other 'experts' in the field. You can see why it got thrown about by the British movie establishment back in the day.

Yet today it's trashy cult viewing, a period piece and unlike the movies of the time, a genuine insight into what Soho was really like 45 years ago. You can pre-order a copy now for around £11.

Find out more about the DVD at Amazon.co.uk