Criminally Insane (film)

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Criminally Insane is a 1975 American horror film directed by Nick Millard. The film follows the story of Ethel Janowski, a morbidly obese woman who is released from a psychiatric hospital and returns home to her grandmother. As Ethel's insatiable appetite drives her to commit heinous acts, the film delves into themes of mental illness and violence.

Plot

The film centers around Ethel Janowski, a mentally unstable woman who is released from a psychiatric hospital and sent back to live with her grandmother. Ethel's uncontrollable cravings lead her to murder those who stand in the way of her food obsession. As the body count rises, Ethel's descent into madness becomes increasingly apparent.

Cast

• Priscilla Alden as Ethel Janowski
• Michael Flood as Roscoe
• Jane Lambert as Rosalie
• Robert Copple as Detective Copple
• Sheila Caulfield as Mrs. Masters

Production

Criminally Insane was directed by Nick Millard, known for his work in low-budget exploitation films. The film was shot on a minimal budget, utilizing practical effects to create a sense of horror and suspense. Despite its limited resources, the film gained a cult following for its gritty portrayal of mental illness and violence.

Reception

Upon its release, Criminally Insane received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its raw and unflinching depiction of madness, others criticized its exploitative nature and graphic content. Despite its divisive reception, the film has endured as a cult classic among horror aficionados.

Legacy

Criminally Insane has inspired a sequel, Criminally Insane 2, which further explores Ethel's descent into madness. The character of Ethel Janowski has become a cult icon in the realm of horror cinema, symbolizing the intersection of mental illness and violence in popular culture.

See also

• Exploitation film
• Psychological horror
• List of cult films