MOVIES & MANIA rating:
Impulse is a 1974 horror thriller film about a sleazy gigolo who is also a serial killer of wealthy widows.
Directed by William Grefé (Mako: The Jaws of Death; Stanley; Death Curse of Tartu; Sting of Death) from a screenplay by Tony Crechales (The Attic; The Killing Kind; House of Terror; Point of Terror).
The Conquerer Films production stars William Shatner, Ruth Roman (Rosemary’s Baby), Kim Nicholas, Jennifer Bishop, Harold Sakata (Oddjob in Goldfinger) and William Kerwin (Blood Feast).
Blu-ray release:
Grindhouse Releasing issued Impulse on Blu-ray on March 12, 2024, in a package packed with special features (these are just a few):
Spectacular new 4K restoration created from rare archival film elements
Provocative, in-depth interviews with director William Grefé
Kingdom of the Shatner – William Shatner Live in Santa Monica – Oct. 9, 2022
Additional interviews with producer and make-up artist Doug Hobart (Flesh Feast, Scream Baby Scream) and art director Roger Carlton Sherman
Audio commentary by William Grefé
Haunting alternate French soundtrack
Hours of rare cinematic treasures from the vaults of William Grefé
Two bonus features! – The Devil’s Sisters and The Godmothers
Glossy illustrated booklet with liner notes by acclaimed underground filmmaker Jacques Boyreau
Embossed slipcover with new art by esteemed painter Dave Lebow
Still galleries, trailers
Buy Blu-ray from Amazon.com
Country of origin:
United States
Cast and characters:
William Shatner … Matt Stone
Ruth Roman … Julia Marstow
Jennifer Bishop … Ann Moy
Kim Nicholas … Tina Moy
James Dobson … Clarence
Harold Sakata … Karate Pete
Marcia Knight … Helen
Vivian Lester … Matt’s Mother
William Kerwin … Soldier
Marcy Lafferty … Hotel Clerk
Chad Walker … Matt, as a Boy
Paula Dimitrouleas … Belly Dancer
Doug Hobart … Dead Man in Coffin at Mortuary
Lewis Perles … Car Accident Victim on Road
Filming:
Shot in Tampa, Florida, from 7th August 1972. The filming lasted fifteen days, including twelve with Shatner and the last three with other actors. During one take of the scene where Shatner’s character hangs Sakata’s character to death, actor Sakata nearly died of being accidentally hanged by a tight rope. Fortunately, with Sakata’s “superior neck development”, the crew was able to save his life. Shatner broke his finger during the incident while supporting Sakata’s weight.
Release:
31st January 1974. Impulse was subsequently released nationwide in 1974–75, apparently taking nearly $4 million in the domestic box office.
Technical specs:
1 hour 22 minutes
Audio: Mono
Technicolor
Aspect ratio: 1.85: 1
Film facts:
The working title wasWant a Ride, Little Girl?
Trailer:
Balloons rage clip:
“Cheeks!” clip:
“You seem so upset” clip:
Free to watch online on YouTube:
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