Seance on a Wet Afternoon (Artixo 1964, Kim Stanley, Richard Attenborough)

British thriller Seance on a Wet Afternoon stars Oscar nominee Kim Stanley as a self-proclaimed psychic who devises a kidnapping scheme that she hopes will make her famous. Myra (Stanley) convinces her hen-pecked husband Bill (Richard Attenborough) to help her kidnap the young daughter of a wealthy family, followed by a visit to the police where she artfully produces alleged extra-sensory clues to the crime and ransom. But as the two await their ransom, Myra’s mental state slowly unwinds, and Bill realizes all too late that she may have other more heinous plans in mind for the child.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon director Bryan Forbes earlier helmed the gothic tale Whistle Down the Wind (1961) and later made the creepy The Stepford Wives.

production details
UK / Artixo / 115 minutes / 1964 

Director: Bryan Forbes
Screenplay: Bryan Forbes
Original Story: Mark McShane

cast
Richard Attenborough as William Henry ‘Bill’ Savage
Kim Stanley as Myra Savage
Mark Eden as Mr. Charles Clayton
Nanette Newman as Mrs. Clayton
Diana Lambert as Sheila – Mr. Clayton’s Secretary
Godfrey James as Mrs. Clayton’s Chauffeur
Margaret Lacey as Woman at First Seance
Marie Burke as Woman at First Seance
Maria Kazan as Woman at First Seance
Lionel Gamlin as Man at Seances
Marian Spencer as Mrs. Wintry
Judith Donner as Amanda Clayton – The Child
Ronald Hines as Policeman Outside Clayton’s
Hajni Biro as Carla – Maid at Clayton’s
Frank Singuineau as Bus Conductor