Baffled! (1973)

Nimoy investigates mysteries at a manor on the coast of England

Shot in 1971, this was the pilot movie for a potential Brit series that never materialized. Nimoy’s costar is winsome Susan Hampshire and, as a team, they play psychic detectives, using his visions and her expertise in ESP and the occult. It’s basically a more lowkey version of ensuing pilot movies “The Night Stalker,” “The Norliss Tapes” and “Spectre.” Of course, only “Night Stalker” went on to become a series and, then, only for one season (barely).

“Baffled” comes across more as a convoluted Agatha Christie mystery mixed with paranormal stuff, including bewitching amulets and the obsession with eternal youth. If you liked Peter Cushing’s “Corruption” or Christopher Lee’s “Curse of the Crimson Altar,” you should appreciate it. Just remember that the sensationalistic bits are toned down by comparison.

On the downside, the music is quirky and dated. I get that we’re talking about the early ’70s here, but the scores to many notable films from that time period hold up. Also, the story is kind of complicated and challenging to follow, yet I’m sure mystery aficionados will have no problem.

Jewel Blanch was only 13 as Jennifer during shooting and it’s surprising how the story morphs her into a lil’ wannabe hottie which, needless to say, wouldn’t fly today. Vera Miles is on hand as her mother while Rachel Roberts plays the lady of the manor.

Lastly, it's amusing how Nimoy is referred to as "young" in the story when he was 40 during shooting, and looks older.

It runs 1h 30m and was shot at Taplow Court, which is a dozen miles west of London, as well as areas nearby and Pinewood Studios. The opening racetrack scenes were done at Oulton Park, Cheshire, which is a four-hour drive northwest of London. I’m not sure where the scenic coastal footage was shot.

GRADE: B-