The Shame of Patty Smith (1962)
*** (out of 4)
Patty Smith (Dani Lynn) is out on a date with her boyfriend when they're in an automobile wreck with three hoods. Patty and her boyfriend head to the beach afterwards but there they are attacked by the men. Patty is raped and six weeks later she learns that she's pregnant. Not wanting a child through rape she seeks out an abortion but all the real doctors turn her down due to the laws. This forces her into the backstreets.
THE SHAME OF PATTY SMITH is without question one of the most shocking movies I've ever seen. I say that because the film has been sold as some sort of exploitation movie but it's certainly not that. Some might see that the movie was released to DVD by Something Weird Video and they'll think that it's some sort of trashy movie but that's not the case either. I was really shocked at how well-made this movie was and there's no question that its subject matter is handled very seriously.
What's so amazing about this movie is the fact that producer-writer-director Leo A. Handel treated the subject matter so seriously and managed to turn in a really dramatic movie. Looking at his credits, this here was his only job as director and he only produced one other movie. I was really amazed at how well-made the picture was at it looks very professional and there's not a single frame where it shows its low-budget. What's even more shocking is that there aren't any unintentional laughs, which usually happens with these types of movies.
The film works so well because the character of Patty is written to where she really does seem like a girl that any viewer will know. She's a likeable character and you can't help but feel bad for her situation and you also understand why she's doing what she is. It makes you ask questions about abortion laws and various moral questions that go with the subject. The performances are good for the most part and this includes Lynn in the title role. I thought she was quite believable in the part and manages to really make you feel for the character.
There are certainly some minor flaws throughout the film but there's no doubt that this film is pretty hard-hitting and especially when you consider when it was made. THE SHAME OF PATTY SMITH is an extremely good drama that works on all levels.
