Evil Judgment (1984)

Little know giallo-esque flick from early 1980s’ Canada

An aspiring dancer working as a waitress in Montreal (Pamela Collyer) is talked into a gig with her prostitute friend (Nanette Workman), which leads to a harrowing night at a retired judge’s manor. When she and her beau (Jack Langedijk) try to solve the mystery, they are curiously hindered by the arrogant officer on the case (Roland Nincheri).

“Evil Judgment” (1984) is a mystery/thriller with slasher bits that could be categorized as a Canadian giallo. It’s a ‘B’ production with an ambitious story that leaves you scratching your head, but everything makes sense once you put the ambiguous pieces of the puzzle together. Some viewers won’t want to work that hard, so beware.

Pamela Collyer as protagonist Janet is almost worth the price of admission. She comes across as a meshing of Agnetha Fältskog (the blonde from ABBA) and Stevie Nicks. Unfortunately, there are boring stretches in the second half.

It runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot in Montreal.

GRADE: B-