THE STEPFORD WIVES

     One of my favorite movies of the decade and of all time is "The Stepford Wives"- the infamous 70's shocker based on Ira Levin's delightfully diabolical novel.  It's about Joanna Eberhart, a big city photographer, who very reluctantly moves with her family to Stepford, Connecticut- a small, picture card town.  Though beautiful, there is something a bit off about Stepford, and Joanna soon realizes something is horribly amiss as she uncovers a deep, dark secret of the little town. And that's where the fun begins.

     The women of the town, all glowing in beautiful gowns, act very strange- as if they all wandered off the set of a television commercial.  They seem very fixated on cleaning, cooking, and other "wifely" duties.  Joanna, a die-hard feminist, feels completely out of place amongst the Stepford Wives.  She thankfully ends up meeting wacky Bobby (perfectly played by Paula Prentiss by the way...) and bands together as they soon discover the sinister plot behind the Stepford Men's Association, which their husbands coincidentally have joined...

      The movie is a razor sharp look at the Women's Lib controversy of the early 70's.  But underneath the slyness, there is an eerie vibe to the movie.  Director Brian Forbes purposely chose bright colors and lots of white, cheery scenes to create a "thriller in sunlight"- which counteracts with the dark and foreboding elements of the story.  And it works perfectly.  This is a movie that does require a little something called an attention span, and offers no gore or cheap scares, if that's what gets you off,  But if you're looking for a restrained, eerie little movie, that will haunt you afterwards, then this is the one for you.  "The Stepford Wives" weaves a creepy little spell while watching,  as it slowly and suspensfully builds to its chilling and unforgettable climax.   The term "Stepford Wife" has became a staple in pop culture, and it did spawn two sequels and a terrible remake-  and boy, when I say terrible, I mean terrible.  I was appalled...

      No, stick with the original gem from the groovy 70's that shouldn't be missed by horror fans or 70's fans, for that matter.  Like "Rosemary's Baby" (which Ira Levin also wrote), "The Stepford Wives" is quietly haunting and chilling. It gets under your skin.  And once it does you'll never forget it.  An infamous 70's horror classic!