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Drama Cult Classic

A decadent Manhattan party turns deadly when a cult leader and his followers bring sex, drugs, and violence to the mix.

SWEET SAVIOR

Six states wanted them jailed. Eight torture victims wanted them dead. All the blood freaks wanted was one more night… of the most brutal orgy in history!

1971 · 1h 32m · R · Drama / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

A Manson-like cult leader takes his "flock" to New York City, where they do drugs and kill people.

Quick Answer

What is Sweet Savior about?

Sweet Savior is a 1971 American drama-thriller directed by Robert L. Roberts about a Manhattan party thrown by Sandra Barlow, which is infiltrated by a Manson-like cult leader named Moon and his followers, resulting in a night of sex, drugs, and murder.

Programmer's Pick

Troy Donahue sheds his heartthrob image for something far more sinister in this exploitation nugget, where the only thing more dangerous than the drugs is the guest list. From cults to cocktails, Sweet Savior is an unwholesome snapshot of early ‘70s Manhattan decadence.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Sandra Barlow, a thrill-seeking woman in 1970s New York, craves excitement and organizes a decadent party centered on sex and drugs. She invites Moon, a charismatic cult leader, and his group of 'freaks' to spice things up for her and her wealthy friends. However, Moon and his followers have their own agenda, turning the gathering into an unpredictable and dangerous affair. With elements of psychotronic exploitation, "Sweet Savior" immerses viewers in a world where the pursuit of pleasure and excess collides with the menace of a manipulative cult, all set against the backdrop of a hedonistic Manhattan night.

Details & Specs

Director
Robert L. Roberts
Writers
Robert L. Roberts, Willie Gilbert
Release
1971
Runtime
1h 32m
Language
English
Genres
Drama, Thriller
Also Known As
Frenetic Party, The Love Thrill Murders, Le messie du mal, Sweet Saviour, Der Satan, Hollywood Massaker

Why This Matters

This film features Troy Donahue in a rare villainous role as a Manson-type cult leader and was later distributed on video by Troma Entertainment under the title The Love-Thrill Murders, reflecting its cult and exploitation film legacy.
— SassyFlix Curator

Why Cult

Manson in the City

The film brings a Manson-like cult leader and his flock to the heart of New York, blending counterculture menace with urban excess.

Sex, Drugs, Violence

A party that starts with hedonistic intentions quickly devolves into a wild mix of orgiastic pleasure and bloodshed.

Cult Exploitation Vibes

Psychotronic and exploitation elements collide, featuring cult manipulation, drug use, and a heavy dose of taboo-busting content.

Troy Donahue Against Type

See Troy Donahue trade matinee idol charm for the unsettling charisma of a dangerous cult leader.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Sandra's invitation to Moon and his cult

Threat

Manson-like cult leader and followers

Effect

Sexual debauchery, drug use, and murder at a Manhattan party

Setting

A decadent New York City gathering

Questions from the Vault

When was Sweet Savior released? +

Sweet Savior was released in 1971.

Who directed Sweet Savior? +

Sweet Savior was directed by Robert L. Roberts.

How long is Sweet Savior? +

Sweet Savior has a runtime of 92 minutes.

What genre is Sweet Savior? +

Sweet Savior is a drama-thriller.

Where can I watch Sweet Savior? +

Sweet Savior is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips