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 is at long last made available for a new generation of genre film fans to experience.
Special features
- Original 1980s video release trailer (2mins)
- 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
UK | 1977 | colour | English language, with optional hard-of-hearing subtitles | 98 minutes | Original aspect ratio 1.85:1 | DVD9 | PAL | Dolby Digital mono audio (320kbps) | Cert 18 (contains strong violence) | Region 0 DVD