Watch The Walking Stick

The Walking Stick is a psychological thriller film from 1970 that tells the story of Deborah Dainton, a young woman who suffers from a physical disability that results in her having to use a walking stick. Deborah, played by Samantha Eggar, works in an art gallery and becomes romantically involved with an older man named Boney, played by the renowned actor, David Hemmings. Boney seems to be charming, sophisticated, and worldly-wise, but he may not be what he appears to be.

Deborah's mother is absent from her life, and her father, a marine biologist, is usually away from home working and studying in remote locations. Deborah thus finds herself isolated from the rest of the world and spends much of her time in solitude. Her physical condition results from a boating accident her father was involved in before her birth. She uses her disability as a means of turning away from other people and as a defense mechanism to keep people away. She meets Boney, who effortlessly works his way into her heart under the guise of being kind and attentive.

Boney, a con artist, manipulates Deborah into using her job to help him forge antique paintings, and so begins a dangerous and twisted game of deception that involves love, art, and trust. Deborah gets increasingly drawn into his illegal activities until she is caught by the authorities and brought to trial.

The movie's cast is excellent, with David Hemmings delivering a stellar performance as the dubious and devious Boney. Samantha Eggar, who received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Deborah, also shines in her portrayal of a vulnerable, self-doubting, but determined and spirited young woman. Emlyn Williams, another seasoned actor, enhances the film's suspense and intrigue with his role as Deborah's analyst.

What makes The Walking Stick unique is the way it explores the complicated aspects of love, trust, and betrayal. The movie successfully navigates the complex and convoluted relationship between Deborah and Boney, showing the depth of her vulnerability and the extent of his deception. It raises questions about how far someone is willing to go to protect themselves and their beloved, and whether there are times when that protection can become deadly.

The film's director, Eric Till, offers a masterful portrayal of the dark side of human nature, demonstrating that people are not always what they seem, and that, in the right light, everyone can be a monster. The Walking Stick is an intense, thought-provoking, and emotional movie that is a must-see for fans of psychological mystery films. It is a classic example of a well-written plot that leaves the viewer wondering what will happen next, and whether the main character will get out of the dangerous situation she has found herself in.

Summing up, the movie explores themes of deceit, manipulation, and betrayal that will leave an indelible mark on the viewer long after the final credit has rolled. It is a timeless classic that never loses its grip on the audience's attention and imagination, making it a must-see for anyone who loves psychological thrillers.

The Walking Stick is a 1970 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.