5,5/10
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29 user 25 critic

The Pyx (1973)

A detective investigating the death of a heroin-addicted prostitute uncovers evidence pointing to the existence of a murderous devil cult.

Director:

Harvey Hart

Writers:

Robert Schlitt (screenplay), John Buell (novel)
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Karen Black ... Elizabeth Lucy
Christopher Plummer ... Dt. Sgt. Jim Henderson
Donald Pilon ... Dt. Sgt. Pierre Paquette
Jean-Louis Roux ... Keerson
Yvette Brind'amour ... Meg
Jacques Godin ... Superintendent
Lee Broker Lee Broker ... Herbie Lefram
Terry Haig Terry Haig ... Jimmy
Robin Gammell ... Worther
Louise Rinfret ... Sandra
Gerard Parkes
Francine Morand ... (as Francine Moran)
Thérèse Morange
Henry Gamer Henry Gamer
Jean Dubost Jean Dubost
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Storyline

Montréal Police Detective Sergeant Jim Henderson is the lead investigator into the death of a scantily-clad young woman found outside an apartment building, the initial belief being that she was pushed from the unoccupied twentieth floor penthouse balcony. Henderson's partner, Detective Sergeant Pierre Paquette, recognizes her as a prostitute, who they eventually will learn has the working name Elizabeth Lucy, a junkie and one of Meg Latimer's girls. In questioning Meg and another one of her girls, Laura, Henderson and Paquette will also learn that Elizabeth was a non-practicing Catholic, much like Henderson himself, despite the fact that a crucifix on a chain was around her neck and pyx tightly clutched in her hand when she was discovered. The story of Henderson and Paquette investigating the murder, which gets them and their associates into mortal danger the further they get into the investigation, is interwoven with the story of how Elizabeth ended up dead outside that apartment ... Written by Huggo

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

See It...Find Out What It Means! See more »

Genres:

Horror | Thriller | Crime

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »
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Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English | French

Release Date:

October 1973 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

The Hooker Cult Murders See more »

Filming Locations:

Saint Lawrence River See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

CAD1,000,000 (estimated)
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Karen Black used a body double for all the nude shots of her filmed from behind. See more »

Alternate Versions

SPOILER: The international DVD release by Telefilm is missing a scene (probably lost by a damaged print of the movie), when Christopher Plummer's character (Henderson) goes back to the apartment and finds a reel-to-reel tape with a Gregorian chant on it. It plays out and he accidentally drops it just before he hides when he hears footsteps. This is a fairly crucial scene in this movie. See more »

Connections

Featured in Katarina's Nightmare Theater: The Pyx (2011) See more »

Soundtracks

I Was Touched By Your Passing Through
Written by Karen Black
Performed by Karen Black
See more »

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User Reviews

 
An Intelligent Thriller
28 March 2006 | by brianehl2See all my reviews

Karen Black shines as Elizabeth Lucy, a heroin-addicted prostitute, in one of her finest roles from this under-rated and little-seen French-Canadian effort, filmed in Montreal. She also composed and sang three haunting songs which appear on the film's soundtrack. Christopher Plummer is also first rate as the policeman investigating her mysterious death; with somber overtones and a feeling of dread, the film, the film alternates between flashbacks and current time. Highly recommended, for those who like intelligence and thoughtfulness in their thrillers; they will not be disappointed with this one. The supporting cast is all equally proficient, and effective in their roles, especially Yvette Brind Amour as Meg the Madam. The grim and despairing world of heroin usage is presented unflinchingly as well in a hard-hitting way. The beautiful city of Montreal is presented in several time shots as well; to me, at any rate, one of THE very best and over-looked films of the early 1970's.


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