The Very Edge

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The Very Edge is a 1963 British drama directed by Cyril Frankel and starring Anne Heywood as Tracey and Richard Todd as Geoffrey. Written by Leslie Bricusse and Vivian Cox, the film follows a newly married couple whose life is shattered when a maniac breaks into their home, assaults Tracey, and causes her to miscarry. Traumatized, Tracey withdraws, and Geoffrey, weighed down by fear of a second attack, contemplates an affair with his secretary who has fallen in love with him and supported him during Tracey’s hospital stay. A Scotland Yard detective, McInnes, struggles to find the attacker as Tracey remains in danger.

Filming took place at Ardmore Studios in Dublin and in London. Producer Raymond Stross made the film as a vehicle for his wife, Heywood, with Todd in a leading role; Todd later recalled the shoot as a happy experience.

Reception:
- Monthly Film Bulletin: the film is cliché and shallow, though Heywood’s performance is believable and there are some charming moments with a neighbor child.
- Radio Times: calls it a cheap British sensationalist thriller.
- TV Guide: an effectively handled psychodrama.
- Movie Magazine International: praises the direction and the surprising bond Tracey forms with her attacker; Brett is riveting as the tortured psycho.
- Sky Movies: notes similarities to Return of a Stranger but commends the strong supporting cast.