Who Killed Teddy Bear

Star Review

Graeme Hobbs encourages you to rediscover this 60s thriller that was originally rejected outright by the BBFC

This dark psychological crime thriller sees a sweet young girl who spins discs in a NY nightclub tormented by anonymous phonecalls. Then a mutilated teddy bear is found in her apartment and the police get on her case, though her detective’s long study of sexually deviant criminals has turned him into the kind of character you really wouldn’t want to be alone with either, and her innocence is suddenly assailed from all sides.

The film was rejected outright by the BBFC in 1965. There’s nothing explicitly shown here to cause offence, but its lurid pulp material and taboo themes (proximity of sex and children, a porn-fuelled busboy’s relationship to his simpleton sister) make it highly suggestive and all the sleazier. With its documentary style camera often taking to the seedy streets around Times Square, giving a great snapshot of the time and place, this is a forgotten film that really deserves rediscovery.

Graeme Hobbs on 20th December 2008
View all 235 of Graeme Hobbs's reviews

Film Description

A grim police detective lieutenant embarks on a one-man crusade to track down a depraved sex maniac when a nightclub dancer receives a disturbing series of obscene phone calls. Getting far too close to the victim for comfort, the hard-boiled cop must track down the unbalanced pervert before he carries out his sick threats.

Refused certification on its original theatrical release in 1965 (and never subsequently seen anywhere in the UK) due to its sleazy, taboo-breaking nature, this psychological crime thriller features exceptionally strong performances from Sal Mineo (in a career-defining role) as a bodybuilding, pornography-addicted bus boy with more than a few skeletons in the closet, and Juliet Prowse as a victimised nightclub hostess. Showcasing Oscar-nominated cinematographer Joseph Brun’s breathtaking imagery of pre-cleanup Times Square and 42nd Street, this forgotten neo-noir masterpiece of American independent cinema still retains the power to shock, and crackles with energy from its smart dialogue, electrifying performances and groovy dance sequences

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DVD Extras

• Digitally remastered main feature from original film elements
• Court Martial: The House Where He Lived - an episode of the 1960s WWII legal drama guest-starring Sal Mineo and Anthony Quayle
• LSD: Insight or Insanity? - a short documentary from the 1960s aimed at teenagers about the dangers of LSD with narration by Sal Mineo
• Stills gallery for Who Killed Teddy Bear and Court Martial
• PDF of the original publicity and promotion brochure. • Trailer

Film Details

Cast

Sal Mineo, Elaine Stritch, Juliet Prowse

Technical Details