Directed by Douglas Heyes, this cult classic is a quintessential “juvenile delinquent” thriller from the mid-60s. It is famous for its tonal shift from a polite political drama into a claustrophobic, high-tension nightmare, fueled by a performance that redefined its lead star’s image.
The Synopsis
The story follows David Stratton, a straight-laced aspiring politician with a pristine reputation and a family away on vacation. His quiet life is upended when he discovers Jody, a teenage runaway, hiding in his home. Clad in nothing but an oversized coat and nursing a burnt hand from an escape from a juvenile detention center, Jody initially appears to be a helpless victim.
Driven by a sense of civic duty and pity, David attempts to help her, but he quickly realizes he has invited a whirlwind of chaos into his house. Jody is not merely a runaway; she is a volatile, manipulative, and deeply troubled girl who realizes that David’s political ambitions make him the perfect target for blackmail. As she invites her delinquent friends over to “party” in David’s home, the situation spirals out of control. David find himself a hostage in his own life, forced to choose between his career and his survival as Jody pushes him toward a breaking point in a desperate, cross-border flight from the law.
Cast & Crew
| Role | Name |
| Director | Douglas Heyes |
| Jody | Ann-Margret |
| David Stratton | John Forsythe |
| Buck | Peter Brown |
| Midge | Patricia Barry |
| Ron | James Ward |
| Vera | Diane Sayer |
Production Notes
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A Career Pivot: Before this film, Ann-Margret was largely known for her “girl-next-door” roles in musicals like Bye Bye Birdie. Her performance as the unhinged Jody was a deliberate attempt to prove her dramatic range, earning her a reputation for playing complex, “bad girl” characters.
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Pre-Code Echoes: While released in 1964, the film’s exploration of teenage rebellion and the vulnerability of the “establishment” male figure carries the gritty, sensationalist energy of the pulpy paperbacks of the era (it was, in fact, based on a novel by Wade Miller).
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The “Kitten” Moniker: The title itself became a staple of pop culture shorthand, perfectly capturing the juxtaposition of Jody’s outward innocence and her underlying capacity for destruction.
