“In a seaside village, a group of local young men mingle among the seasonal tourists in search of sexual conquests,” begins the plot summary of film The System (now out on DVD). Of course it could only be filmed in Torbay.
Directed by Michael Winner in 1964 and staring Oliver Reed, Jane Merrows, Harry Andrews, John Alderton and Guy Doleman and David Hemmings (getting into his stride in a small part two years before Blow Up), the film is one of those ’60s tales of a burgeoning modern age and alienation.
Photographer Tinker (Reed) tries to conquer a fashion model and finds himself falling in love… and maybe it’s not the tourists being used in these sexual games after all.
A story of a sexual predator becoming a love-sick cry-baby it may be, but it also marks a theme in European film that coloured the ’60s and apparently shows Michael Winner when he had a future.
And it was written by Peter Draper, who lived in Exeter.
Here’s a clip to whet your appetite. Can’t you just feel that sand between your… toes.
Posted by Cptn
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