Brimstone And Treacle

This quirky, disturbing thriller is chiefly of interest as the work of Dennis Potter, author of PENNIES FROM HEAVEN and TV's "The Singing Detective." Pop star Sting stars as Martin Taylor, a con man so charming he can convince almost anyone that he's met them before. Thomas Bates (Elliott) sees through this ploy but falls victim to Taylor's larger schemes involving Bates's disabled daughter (Hamilton). Relying on psychological effect rather than violence, the picture is excruciatingly suspenseful, alternating goose bumps with nervous laughter in the tradition of Hitchcockian horror.