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The Leech Woman (1960)


“The Leech Woman” is a film that’s a lot better than its title. Coleen Gray plays the older wife of Phillip Terry, a doctor who’s been experimenting with various mixtures in order to find the fountain of youth. The acting is quite good by a group of old pros, and the film throws in about everything: the older woman/younger man plot twist, alcoholism, tribal rituals, emotional abuse, love triangles, several murders, smart-mouthed cops, journeys into darkest Africa, revenge and betrayal, explosions, quicksand…well, you get the idea. Gray does quite well with a difficult role, with fine support from Terry, Grant Williams, Kim Hamilton, and Gloria Talbott. I thought the ending was a little weak, but otherwise it’s an entertaining take on an unusual story regarding rejuvenation. Worth catching.