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.
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.
Presented in Both High Definition and Standard Definition
Original 1980s video release trailer (2 minutes, DVD only)
Alternative French language soundtrack, with optional English subtitles
Recluse (1981, 30 minutes): 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!)
Comprehensive booklet with newly commissioned essays and contribution from James Oliver, Ian Merrick and Michael Armstrong; original promotional artwork; full credits
