The Pyx
| The Pyx | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Harvey Hart |
| Produced by | Julian Hoffman |
| Starring |
Karen Black Christopher Plummer |
| Music by |
Harry Freedman (music) Karen Black (vocals) |
| Cinematography | Rene Verzier |
| Edited by | Ron Wisman |
Release dates |
September 13, 1973 (Canada) October 1973 (US) |
Running time | 108 min. |
| Country | Canada |
| Language |
English French |
| Budget | $1,000,000 (estimated, Canadian) |
The Pyx, also known as The Hooker Cult Murders and La Lunule, is a 1973 Canadian supernatural thriller film starring Karen Black and Christopher Plummer. It is based on the 1959 book of the same title by Montreal author John Buell.
Plot
A motorist witnesses a woman falling or jumping from a tenement building. Police arrive on the scene and find a crucifix and a small metal container (a pyx). While investigating the death, a detective in the city of Montreal enters the world of prostitution, drug addiction, conspiracy, and the occult. As the investigation continues, it is revealed that the dead woman is Elizabeth Lucy, a prostitute and heroin addict. Suspects in Elizabeth's death are soon murdered one by one, and evidence of occult ritual begins to surface, leading to a confrontation with a cult leader who may be possessed by Satan himself.
The Pyx alternates from after Elizabeth's death to before, until the climax.
Cast
- Karen Black as Elizabeth Lucy
- Christopher Plummer as Det. Sgt. Jim Henderson
- Donald Pilon as Det. Sgt. Pierre Paquette
- Jean-Louis Roux as Keerson
- Yvette Brind'amour as Meg
- Jacques Godin as Superintendent
- Lee Broker as Herbie Lafram
- Terry Haig as Jimmy
- Robin Gammell as Worther
- Louise Rinfret as Sandra
Production
Filming began on August 24, 1972, and was completed on October 2, 1972. It was filmed in Montreal, Canada, and includes much French dialog, alongside the main dialog in English.
Ken Flaherty, the director of The Doomed Gallery in Dalston, accidentally destroyed a print of the film. Whilst he working he was ifcs, a film cleaning company in Park Royal, he put the reel on a film cleaning machine and went for a cigarette, only to come back and discover that he had destroyed the print.
Music
The music was composed by Harry Freedman, with actress Karen Black lending her vocal talents.
External links
- The Pyx at the Internet Movie Database
- The Pyx is available for free download at the Internet Archive