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Drama Cult Classic

A domineering mother, a tormented son, and a spiral of revenge in a crumbling English manor.

PERSECUTION

Now it's David's turn to get even... and he has a very special treat for his mother.

1974 · 1h 35m · PG · Drama / Horror / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

A cat lover (Lana Turner) kills her husband, blackmails her lover (Trevor Howard) and torments her son (Ralph Bates).

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Quick Answer

What is Persecution about?

Persecution is a 1974 United Kingdom drama, horror, and thriller film directed by Don Chaffey about a bitter, crippled woman who torments her son for years, only for him to return home and descend into madness as he seeks vengeance for his lifelong suffering.

Programmer's Pick

Grande Dame Guignol meets British gothic as Lana Turner weaponizes motherhood with venomous flair. If domineering matriarchs, haunted manors, and white cats pique your interest, this is a master class in motherly malice. Just be glad your family reunions aren’t this eventful.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Carrie Masters, embittered by her own misfortune, channels her venom into a twisted relationship with her son David, whom she blames for her crippled state. Isolated in a gloomy English estate, she exerts a bizarre and cruel dominance over David, shaping his psyche from childhood. When David, now an adult with a wife and newborn, reluctantly returns home, he remains tethered to his mother’s manipulations. The suffocating atmosphere only intensifies as Carrie becomes entangled in disturbing deaths, pushing David’s fragile mind to the brink. Persecution is a chilling blend of psychological horror and familial drama, reveling in gothic set-pieces and the grotesque spectacle of a mother-son rivalry turned toxic.

Details & Specs

Director
Don Chaffey
Writers
Rosemary Wootten, Robert Hutton
Release
1974
Runtime
1h 35m
Country
United Kingdom
Language
English
Genres
Drama, Horror, Thriller
Also Known As
Sheba, The Terror of Sheba, I Hate You, Cat, The Graveyard

Why This Matters

This 1974 British psychological horror film features Hollywood star Lana Turner in a leading role and was directed by Don Chaffey, known for his work in genre cinema. The film was released under multiple titles, reflecting its varied distribution strategy.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Don Chaffey Writers: Rosemary Wootten +1 more
Lana Turner Lana Turner Carrie Masters Trevor Howard Trevor Howard Paul Bellamy Ralph Bates Ralph Bates David Masters Olga Georges-Picot Olga Georges-Picot Monique Kalfon Suzan Farmer Suzan Farmer Janie Masters MW Mark Weavers Young David Patrick Allen Patrick Allen Robert Masters Jennifer Guy Jennifer Guy Waitress Shelagh Fraser Shelagh Fraser Mrs. Banks Ronald Howard Ronald Howard Dr. Ross CB Catherine Brandon Mrs. Deacon

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Why Cult

Grande Dame Guignol

Lana Turner delivers a lavishly cruel performance as a vengeful, wheelchair-bound matriarch, turning psychological torment into high camp.

Mother-Son Psychodrama

The film’s core is a warped, decades-spanning battle of wills between a manipulative mother and her emotionally mangled son.

Macabre English Manor

The setting—a brooding English estate—provides a suitably grim backdrop for murder, madness, and feline theatrics.

Cat Lady Menace

A white cat stalks the shadows as Turner’s favorite companion, adding a slyly sinister touch to the domestic horrors.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

David returns home with his wife and child

Threat

Carrie’s psychological domination and involvement in deaths

Effect

David’s descent into insanity and vow of vengeance

Setting

Decaying English manor

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Persecution? +

Persecution was directed by Don Chaffey.

How long is Persecution? +

Persecution has a runtime of 95 minutes.

What genre is Persecution? +

Persecution is a drama, horror, and thriller film.

Where can I watch Persecution? +

Persecution is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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