Scream, Pretty Peggy

  • 1973
  • NR
  • 74m
movieMx RATING
6.2
27
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Scream, Pretty Peggy Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: May 18, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: May 18, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Scream, Pretty Peggy

MovieScream, Pretty Peggy
Release Year1973
DirectorGordon Hessler
GenreDrama / Horror / Mystery / Thriller / TV Movie
Runtime74 minutes (1h 14m)
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Scream, Pretty Peggy (1973) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in Scream, Pretty Peggy are led by Ted Bessell . The supporting cast, including Sian Barbara Allen and Bette Davis , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Scream, Pretty Peggy (1973) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 6.2/10, it currently stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While Scream, Pretty Peggy does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.

  • Interesting concept or premise
  • Some entertaining scenes
  • Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Scream, Pretty Peggy has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: Scream, Pretty Peggy

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1973, Scream, Pretty Peggy is a Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, TV Movie film directed by Gordon Hessler, written by Arthur Hoffe. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ted Bessell as Jeffrey Elliot.

Ending Explained: Scream, Pretty Peggy

Scream, Pretty Peggy Ending Explained: A sculptor hires young college girls to take care of his elderly mother and his supposedly insane sister, both of whom live in the old family mansion with him. Directed by Gordon Hessler, this 1973 drama film stars Ted Bessell (Jeffrey Elliot), alongside Sian Barbara Allen as Peggy Johns, Bette Davis as Mrs. Elliott, Charles Drake as George Thornton. With a 6.2/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of Scream, Pretty Peggy?

A sculptor hires young college girls to take care of his elderly mother and his supposedly insane sister, both of whom live in the old family mansion with him.

How Does Ted Bessell (Jeffrey Elliot)'s Story End?

  • Ted Bessell: Ted Bessell's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Sian Barbara Allen (Peggy Johns): Sian Barbara Allen's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Bette Davis (Mrs. Elliott): Bette Davis's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Scream, Pretty Peggy Mean?

Scream, Pretty Peggy's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Ted Bessell may feel rushed. Gordon Hessler's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.

Scream, Pretty Peggy Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Is Scream, Pretty Peggy Based on a True Story?

No, Scream, Pretty Peggy is a work of fiction. While the drama, horror, mystery, thriller, tv movie film directed by Gordon Hessler and starring Ted Bessell may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.

Who Should Watch Scream, Pretty Peggy?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Ted Bessell or the director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments

At just 74 minutes, it's a quick watch.

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Scream, Pretty Peggy Parents Guide & Age Rating

1973 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Scream, Pretty Peggy age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Scream, Pretty Peggy is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Scream, Pretty Peggy (1973) is 74 minutes (1h 14m). Directed by Gordon Hessler, the film runs for 74 minutes in its complete theatrical version.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Scream, Pretty Peggy is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1973 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Scream, Pretty Peggy. Rating: 6.2/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scream, Pretty Peggy worth watching?

Scream, Pretty Peggy is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Scream, Pretty Peggy parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Scream, Pretty Peggy identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the runtime of Scream, Pretty Peggy (1973)?

The runtime of Scream, Pretty Peggy (1973) is 74 minutes (approximately 1h 14m).

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.2
Scream, Pretty Peggy
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