THE PYX (aka THE HOOKER CULT MURDERS, 1973)

Directed by Harvey Hart
Written by Robert Schlitt (screenplay), John Buell (novel)
Starring Karen Black, Christopher Plummer, Donald Pilon, Jean-Louis Roux, & Yvette Brind’amour

Made during the height of trendy Satanism and bearing a lot of resemblance to ROSEMARY’S BABY is THE PYX, a film riddled with 70’s police procedural and religious and anti-religious symbolism. THE PYX, also known as THE HOOKER CULT MURDERS in some parts, was a vehicle for actress Karen Black who not only stars in the film, but provides numerous songs for the soundtrack as well.

Though the film is meticulously paced and rather slow at times, THE PYX is saved by its stars Black and a young Christopher Plummer who plays the detective on the case of what looks to be Black’s murder. Both actors do a fantastic job of telling a two tier story, one going on leading up to the death of a prostitute (played by Black) and the investigation of her death lead by Plummer. Black juggles the ability to appear sultry and innocent all at once here, with her doe eyes and big hairdo masking a more jaded and apathetic underneath. Plummer is less outstanding playing the typical hard nosed detective here, though does so capably.

Director Harvey Hart shuffles between the present and past pretty seamlessly, though the shift was pretty obvious (Black is alive in the past, and a corpse in the present). Still, the narrative flows nicely, revealing important story points in succession making this a well-paced thriller.

Those looking for straight up horror might be a bit disappointed. THE PYX relies on the creepiness of religious and anti-religious imagery and chanting which gives off an overall sense of dread rather than straight up scares. And though the film ends rather abruptly, it does tends to echo Polanski’s thriller near the climax which makes it more interesting to watch, but disappointing that it is so like another important horror film of its time. Still, with some great performances, a haunting soundtrack voiced by Black herself, and some deft storytelling tricks, THE PYX is an obscure oldie worth digging for.

Check out the trailer here!!