The Intruder
Dir: Roger Corman
1962
****
The next time you hear someone say that Roger Corman is a hack then you should point out this film to them (and also the brilliant documentary 'Corman's World' while you're at it). Apart from low budget slashers, fibreglass monster movies and awesome Exploitation films, Corman also made films of great importance and not just important to cinema. The Intruder is a film that challenged the outcry following school desegregation in the South of America in the late 1950s. The decision was very unpopular at the time with the streets awash with anti-black campaigning, violence and racist hatred. It's fair to say the deep south showed its true colours. It is a sad chapter in history in that sense but also an important part of our developing history which will hopefully lead to civil rights for all. Back in 1961 though, tension was still high. Corman made a bold film about the bigotry just 4 years after desegregation which took some guts when you look at the levels of hatred and violent ignorance that stood as a real threat. Thankfully it's a good film too and not just a Nobel attempt. William Shatner is perfect in the role as 'The Intruder', his acting style really helped develop the two-faced charming but hateful character. Could this also be the first real look at the idea of 'The Devil in a suit'? Answers on a postcard history/Cinema experts....