IMDb RATING
6.2/10
2.7K
YOUR RATING
A penniless woman meets a strange girl who insists she is her long-lost mother, and becomes enmeshed in a web of deception, and perhaps madness.A penniless woman meets a strange girl who insists she is her long-lost mother, and becomes enmeshed in a web of deception, and perhaps madness.A penniless woman meets a strange girl who insists she is her long-lost mother, and becomes enmeshed in a web of deception, and perhaps madness.
- Nominated for 2 BAFTA Awards
- 3 nominations total
Robert Douglas
- Sir Alex Gordon
- (uncredited)
George Howell
- First Cleaner
- (uncredited)
Penelope Keith
- Hotel Assistant
- (uncredited)
Roger Lloyd Pack
- Cleaner
- (uncredited)
Angus MacKay
- Vicar
- (uncredited)
Michael Strong
- Dr. Walter Stevens
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaWhen this movie aired on NBC several years later, it was not only heavily edited to sanitize some of the seamier sexual suggestions, but also included newly shot footage (none involving any of the actors or actresses who appeared in the actual movie: Michael Tolan, Paul Rogers), including a prologue and epilogue in which a psychiatrist character discussed the characters' failings and attempted to explain away the truncated movie's many plot holes. Amongst other major changes was the profession of Leonora Grabowski (Dame Elizabeth Taylor), who somehow morphed from a prostitute in the theatrical release to a wig model in the television version.
Of the TV version, director Losey said: "not one person connected artistically with the film was consulted or involved in those changes. They're absurd...completely destroyed the rhythm, intention and content of the film...absolutely reversing the meaning of the film."
- GoofsMoving shadow of the camera on the door-frame as it moves from Lenora's room to Cenci's room at the hotel in the Netherlands.
- Alternate versionsNetwork TV version is eight minutes shorter than the theatrical release, removing some scenes and featuring alternative footage for others.
- ConnectionsReferenced in The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)
Featured review
Haunting Classic!
After winning an Oscar for her role as the shrieking, voluptuous, vicious harridan in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolfe?", Elizabeth Taylor felt encouraged enough to look for riskier parts where her beauty and star power were deliberately played down. In SECRET CEREMONY, she had one of her most cutting-edge, risky role as the aging, down-trodden prostitute whose little daughter drowns. She meets a strange, mad girl, Cenci (Mia Farrow) who's convinced Liz is her recently dead mother, Leonora and takes her home where both women play a game: Elizabeth becomes Leonara and Cenci has found her mother alive and well. Director Joseph Losey creates a sumptuous world where most of the action occurs in this fabulous Victorian mansion, jammed with striking lamps, toys, dolls, furniture, lighting,etc. IT all contributes to making this an A Plus horror film where madness rules. A haunting musical score, outstanding lighting and camera-work and an unforgettable wardrobe for the star all combine to make this a true cult movie--which was lambasted by critics and audiences at the time of release but has since grown in stature as a treasured art-house classic.
- jery-tillotson-1
- Jun 21, 2017
- Permalink
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Die Frau aus dem Nichts
- Filming locations
- Debenham House, Addison Road, Holland Park, London, England, UK(Lenora & Cenci go to this house at No. 8 after the cemetery - aka Peacock House)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $3,200,000 (estimated)
- Gross worldwide
- $580
- Runtime1 hour 49 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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