Watch Violent Midnight

In the small town of Haskell, a serial killer is on the loose. The police are baffled as the killer's victims are all young women who share similarities in their appearance and hobbies. Enter Elliot Freeman (Lee Philips), a struggling painter who becomes the prime suspect in the murders due to his erratic behavior and previous relationships with some of the victims.

As the investigation heats up, Elliot must clear his name while also delving deeper into the twisted mind of the killer. Along the way, he meets Laura (Jean Hale), a young woman who may hold the key to unraveling the mystery. But with more murders occurring, time is quickly running out.

Violent Midnight is a tense thriller that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. The film uses a moody and atmospheric backdrop to heighten the tension, with shadowy alleyways and dimly lit rooms adding an air of danger to every scene. Throughout the film, several red herrings are thrown in to keep the audience on their toes, with multiple characters being presented as potential suspects.

At the center of it all is Lee Philips' performance as Elliot. He brings a sense of desperation to his character, as he tries to prove his innocence while simultaneously grappling with his own art, which often contains violent imagery. The scenes where he interacts with Laura are particularly strong, as the two actors have great chemistry together.

Jean Hale also delivers a standout performance as Laura. She is a determined and intelligent woman who is not afraid to take risks to solve the case. Her scenes with Elliot are often tinged with sexual tension, adding another layer of complexity to their relationship.

The supporting cast is solid as well, with Shepperd Strudwick delivering a solid turn as the town's police chief, who is torn between his duty to protect his community and his suspicions about Elliot. There are also memorable appearances from James Farentino as a suave nightclub owner and Sylvia Miles as a seductive neighbor.

One of the strengths of Violent Midnight is its use of music. The film's score, composed by the legendary jazz musician Chico Hamilton, adds an ethereal and haunting quality to the proceedings. In one of the film's best scenes, Elliot paints while jazz music plays in the background, creating a sense of unease as his artwork becomes increasingly violent.

However, the film is not without its flaws. Some of the dialogue is clunky, with characters speaking in cliches and overly melodramatic lines. Additionally, the ending may feel unsatisfying to some viewers, as it leaves some loose ends untied.

Overall, Violent Midnight is a gripping thriller that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. Its themes of sexuality, violence, and the dark side of art make it a thought-provoking watch that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Violent Midnight is a 1964 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.