Directed by Ian Merrick, this intelligent crime drama charts the infamous killing spree which Donald Neilson, aka The Black Panther, perpetrated across England during the mid-70s, culminating in the kidnapping and murder of a 17-year old girl. Told with uncommon accuracy and refraining from any measure of sensationalism, this fascinating and disturbing film fell foul of a media-driven campaign upon its original cinema release which resulted in an effective ban.
Remastered from the original film elements preserved at the BFI National Archive, this impressive and powerful film was made available again in 2012 for a new generation of genre film fans to experience, and is now re-released with a specially designed new cover.
Definitely not to be confused with the Marvel superhero blockbuster!
BFI Flipside is dedicated to rediscovering the margins of British film, reclaiming a space for forgotten movies and filmmakers who would otherwise be in danger of disappearing from our screens forever. It is a home for UK cinematic oddities, offering everything from exploitation documentaries to B-movies, countercultural curios and obscure classics, If it's weird, British and forgotten, then it's Flipside.
Alternative French language soundtrack, with optional English subtitles.
Recluse (1981, 28 mins): Bob Bentley's arresting short film based on real events, starring Maurice Denham and edited by David Gladwell (editor of If... and O Lucky Man!).
Recluse: recce footage (1978, 8 mins): recently discovered 16mm location scouting footage shot by director Bob Bentley.
