SECRET CEREMONY (1968)

Elizabeth Taylor is once again in another uneven and peculiar film, TAILOR MADE for the ECLECTIC film buff.  Taylor's last picture BOOM (1967) was another collaboration she had made with Director Joseph Losey that bombed at the box office. SECRET CEREMONY (1968) was just another entry in the long list of Taylor's BOX OFFICE BOMBS. After bomb after bomb, Taylor took fewer film roles in the mid 70 to pursue Stage and Television roles.

When SECRET CEREMONY (1968)  was aired on television several years later, it was exceedingly censored of its sexually suggestive content. The newly shot footage was added which did not include the leading actors. Many changes were made in the televised version which included changing Taylor's character occupation to PROSTITUTE to WIG MODEL.

The opening scene has our leading lady in a BLONDE WIG counting money left behind by a JOHN. After her trick has left the building, Elizabeth Taylor ditches her blonde wig on top of a Madonna statue and takes a shower. Taylor plays an emotionally battered prostitute named Leonora, who still grieves for her ten-year-old daughter. Dressed in black, Leonora goes over to her vanity table reaching out towards her daughter's communion picture.  Taylor embodies this tragic character who has suffered a great loss like herself is not a stranger to life's suffering.

Leonora leaves the apartment to go to church.  While on the bus, she is approached by a strange young woman named Cenci (Mia Farrow)who takes the seat next to her. Immediately Leonora becomes uncomfortable having this waif-like Pia Zadora lookalike just staring at her not saying a word. Thankfully, the bus arrives at the church. But when Leonora was disembarking off the bus, she could hear Cenci call out to her  "MUMMY."

As Leonora heads to the church, she could see that Cenci has gotten off as well. Leonora heads inside with the Cenci following behind. Leonora goes about her daily ritual heading to the cemetery behind the church to her daughter's grave. We read on the headstone that her daughter drowned at the age of ten. Behind her, Cenci watches her closely. Leonora turns around to confront the strange young woman but is taken back by her eyes which resemble those of her daughter's. She is immediately teleported back in her mind, to her daughter's funeral, where she threw herself over her daughter's grave. 

Immediately Cenci runs up to the fragile Leonora pulling her out of the cemetery. The next scene has Leonora standing in front of a mansion, apparently owned by the strange young woman. Cenci tells Leonora to wait while she goes inside. That would have been my cue to make a break for it, but instead, Leonora waits. A few minutes later, Cenci is at the front door letting Leonora inside.

Leonora is immediately lead into a bedroom, once occupied by her former DOPPELGANGER. We know this because of the extreme close up of the photograph of Cenci standing next to a woman who could have been Leonora's twin. Leonora can't believe the uncanny resemblance. Now reality sets in, Cenci believes that Leonora is her MOTHER. We know this because of the strange young woman is kneeling down at Leonora's feet calling her " MUMMY."  At once, Leonora tries to break free from her grasp saying " I'm not who you think I am, kid. Now, there's a good girl. Let go." 

Leonora breaks free, demanding to know what the strange young woman wants from her. After a brief moment of silence,  Cenci offers Leonora breakfast. Leonora accepts. Cenci sprints out of the room and down the hall. Giving Leonora time to look around at her doppelganger's closet. Immediately Leonora takes out a white mink coat and tries it on. Cenci returns with two silver trays with eggs, sausages, hot tea, and croissants. Clearly, Cenci lives alone and has no staff looking after her. So how did she prepare this breakfast for two in such a short time?  I wonder. After stuffing her face , Leonora thanks her strange hostess with a burp.

Leonora decides to play along with this masquerade as MUMMY, especially learning that her strange hostess lives alone and doesn't expect any callers. Leonora starts to ask probing questions like Where's DADDY? Immediately, Cenci demands that his name is never to mention in this house again. Leonora quickly reminds her strange hostess to mind her manners that it is her house after all...She's MUMMY. Then Cenci confesses that her step daddy touched her. Instead of sympathy, Leonora strikes her down to the floor Leonora promptly apologizes for her behavior and tells Cenci is that she back now. Leonora decides to continue with this unspoken agreement of mother/daughter role playing It seems that Leonora and Cenci share a common loss. Leonora finally found someone that she could take care of like a daughter. Now, Leonora will be taking over the role of her doppelganger as Cenci's MUMMY.

The next scene proves to be unsettling for most viewers watching to two grown women taking a bath together pretending to be mother and daughter. Lesbianism, Incest, suicide, murder, and moral indecency were words used by film critics alike to describe SECRET CEREMONY (1968) which lead to its demise at the box office. The public was misled to believe some misconceptions about the film, which does NOT contain any content of Lesbianism or incest. Maybe the critics NEVER  really watch the film in its entirety and only judge it by the film stills of Taylor and Farrow at bath time or in bed together.  There are NO sex scenes or implied ones between the two actresses. Yes, I will agree that the film is OUT THERE AT TIMES, but there is no lesbianism or incest. As far as  Robert Mitchum's character, he is Cenci's stepfather not her biological father.

Back to the synopsis, Cenci asks Leonora if she can crawl in bed with her. Before Leonora could respond, Cenci has already taken the initiative to join her. It is quite clear that Cenci does not see herself as a young woman in her 20's, but that of a little girl who has lost her MUMMY. Cenci definitely has emotional issues that have altered her life, that keeps her in the past instead of the future. Cenci and Leonora, both cling on to the memory of the ones, they lost by this bizarre role-playing of mother and daughter. It is NO  implied or otherwise suggested a sexual relationship between Leonora and Cenci. Only that they find comfort in each other's company instead of being totally alone.

The next morning, Cenci receives some unexpected callers to the mansion. It's her Aunt Hilda ( Pamela Brown) and Aunt Hannah ( Peggy Ashcroft) who have come to check on their niece. Unfortunately, these terrible harpies enjoy bullying their mentally unstable niece and think that they are entitled to some of their sister in law's expensive belongings. While hiding from her doppelganger's sister in laws. Leonora witnessed Aunt Hilda stuff an antique doll in her purse.

The next day Leonora decides to pay Aunt Hilda and Aunt Hannah a visit at their Antique shop. When Aunt Hannah greeted Leonora, she almost had coronary thinking that her sister in law has back from the dead. Immediately Aunt Hannah runs in the back to retrieve her sister. Aunt Hilda was not taken back by Leonora's resemblance of her dead sister in law. Instead, she insulted Leonora by spouting 'WELL. WHO THE HELL ARE YOU ?" I think Aunt Hilda needs a refresher course in how to treat customers. Anyways, Leonora tells the old harpies that she is Margret's cousin. It amazing to mean to me, how Liz Taylor took the pop shots that were written about her weight in stride. Aunt Hilda compares Leonora to her departed sister in law saying that she was heavier than her sister in law was and her eye color was different. Well. of course no one has violet eyes like Liz Taylor. After discovering that Cenci gave Leonora her mother's purple velvet outfit, the harpies invite Leonora to their parlor in the back for privacy.

Leonora learns from the old harpies that Cenci took care of mother through her illness without any help from servants, nurses, and doctors. In the end, Cenci did not accept her mother's death. She claims that her mother had gone to the Hairdresser for a long time, perhaps lost, and needs to find her.  Leonora also learns that Cenci 's stepfather Albert ( Robert Mitchum) manhandled her and was tossed out. Leonora asks why they haven't alerted the police or a doctor. The heartless old harpies replied stating what would they have gained from it by doing so. Leonora quickly responded back that they would have lost the chance to keep stealing things from that house. The old harpies denied Leonora's accusations. Leonora quickly grabs the antique doll that just been taken from the mansion. Immediately Aunt Hilda tries to grab the doll from Leonora's grasp. But after a brief tug a war, Aunt Hilda pulls off the doll's arm. Leonora threatens the old harpies "If you dare drag your ASS around in that house on any excuse whatsoever, I will set the cops on you"

Meanwhile back at the mansion, Cenci is reacquainted with someone from her dark past, her stepfather Albert (Robert Mitchum). Definitely not a stranger in playing RUTHLESS BASTARDS throughout his long career, but for some reason in this role Mitchum makes my skin crawl. Thankfully, Mitchum only has the supporting role in SECRET CEREMONY (1968), which probably made Mitchum thankful since the film tanked with harsh reviews.

The scene in which Cenci clips her abusive stepfather 's beard with scissors is rather odd, to say the least. After the beard trim, Albert wants Cenci to recall the sounds she made while they had sex. At first, Cenci refuses but gives in with a moaning sound.  Of course, this leads to Albert kissing her. Mitchum gives a very convincing act of this lowlife, so much so that you despise his character for taking advantage of this 22-year-old mentally unbalanced young woman.

Leonora makes a pit stop at the church to give confession before returning to the mansion. During her confession, we learn that Leonora was somewhat responsible for her daughter's death. Apparently, Leonora took her eyes off her daughter for a brief moment, while she was swimming. Leonora promises to do better this time with Cenci and not be careless.

Back at the mansion, Cenci is alone once again, acting out by tearing the house apart. When Leonora returns, she finds that Cenci hid under the sink. Cenci tells Leonora that her stepfather Albert has come by. The next scene, has Albert walking with the two harpies (Aunt Hilda and Aunt Hannah) in the cemetery. The harpies tell Albert about their visit with Margaret's cousin. Albert informs them that Margret has no cousin.

Leonora has now settled in the role of "Lady of the House" instead of "Lady of the Night" which was her old profession. Leonora has hired help to clean the mansion, tune the piano,  and wash the Roll Royce. Fortunately, Leonora was there to intercept a floral delivery to Cenci from her stepfather Albert. Leonora quickly disposes of them in the trash without telling Cenci. That evening Albert rings the mansion to speak to Cenci, but Leonora is not having it.

The very next scene, we see Leonora and Cenci (now sporting a bob wig instead of that long hair wig) arriving at a Luxurious hotel by the sea. Apparently, Leonora has made reservations on Cenci's dime. Cenci tells Leonora to go ahead to the dining room that she has a surprise for her. When Cenci arrives at the dining room, looking pregnant. Cenci had stuffed a pillow under her dress. Leonora was shocked at first but did not react, instead, she goes along with the gag ordering for three.

The next morning, we see that Albert has followed Leonora and Cenci to the seashore. Albert makes his move when he sees Leonora alone on the beach. He tells Leonora resembles more of a FAT COW that his late wife. Another pop shot at Taylor's weight. Liz really was a team player to put up with dialogue like this. I do have to admit though, I love the campy chitter chatter in this film, even if it is at Liz's expense.

Getting back to the synopsis, Albert threatens Leonora with legal action if she doesn't back away. He then continues to disgust Leonora with babbling about escapades he had with Cenci. Leonora had reached her boiling point, cutting Albert's face with a knife. Somehow, at the end of the discussion, Albert convinces Leonora that smothering is the last thing that Cenci needs. According to Albert, who predicts that Cenci would become more childlike until she in a corner with a baby bottle. Leonora starts to wonder if she did more damage to Cenci than good.

Leonora becomes more withdrawn, which Cenci senses that there is something wrong. Cenci asks if she could give Leonora a back massage, hoping to relieve the tension. But Cenci gets carried away by kissing lower and lower down Leonora's back. Immediately Leonora stops Cenci by screaming at her 'Get off me ..you little BITCH ."

Cenci then decides to go her own bed. Because she is simply exhausted, being in her condition. Yes, Cenci is still sporting her fake baby bump. Right then, Leonora completely loses it and go after Cenci. Leonora tells Cenci that she is not pregnant. But Cenci is convinced that she is and that she felt the baby kick. Leonora rips the stuffing out of that fake baby bump sending Cenci into a frenzy.
If things couldn't get any weirder, Leonora could see from her balcony that Cenci had gone to have sex with her stepfather Albert on the beach.

When Cenci returns, Leonora tries to reach out to her but its too late. The charade is over, Cenci no longer sees Leonora as her mother and is told to leave. Leonora makes a quick exit in her own clothes from the hotel leaving Cenci with the hotel bill.

Cenci is more alone than ever in the big mansion. We see that Cenci has decided to end her life by taking a bunch of pills (probably her mother's medication). But Cenci was interrupted by a knock on the door. Leonora has come back to play MUMMY wearing the white mink coat. The problem is Cenci no longer sees Leonora as her mother. Cenci has become bitter and cold no longer childlike.  Leonora is desperate, she wants to wear MUMMY's nice clothes again and live in this big mansion.

Leonora tells Cenci that she did nothing wrong. Then She kneels down groveling at Cenci's feet. Cenci becomes hysterical and screams " NO" running out of the room.  Next, we see that Cenci beside the glass of milk, giving us the clue that she has taken the pills. Downstairs, Leonora leaves the key and few things behind, but heads out the door sporting the white mink coat. As Leonora slowly leaves, we see that poor Cenci has had second thoughts about suicide and struggle to get Leonora attention. But of course, Leonora is not aware and leaves with tears running down her face. Cenci reaches out with arms outstretched, grasping the word "MUMMY" and then collapses to her death.

  The finale takes us to the funeral parlor at Cenci 's Wake. Leonora has come to pay her respects. But stays clear of the open casket sitting in a faraway corner. Suddenly, Albert arrives and immediately stands close to the casket. Leonora goes over to Albert and stabs him with her little knife. The camera immediately pans to Cenci's body in the casket. Justice has been served, now Cenci can rest in peace. Leonora flees the scene leaving Albert dead on the floor. Next, we find that Leonora still dressed in black, lying atop of her bed humming a nursery rhyme. Apparently, we left to draw our own conclusion about what happens next. I want to believe that Leonora seeks professional help to deal with the guilt of her daughter's death and is never charged with the murder of Albert.

                              FILM FACTS

            Julie Christie was offered the role of Cenci , but turned it down.

The mansion used in SECRET CEREMONY  (1968) is known as The Debenham House which located in Holland Park in London. The Mansion was built in 1896.

Mia Farrow's next picture after SECRET CEREMONY  was going to be TRUE GRIT  with John Wayne. But Robert Mitchum convinces her that the director Henry Hathaway was difficult to work with. Farrow took Mitchum's advice and decline the role that went to Kim Darby.

THE WINGS OF THE DOVE (1997) also used the Debenham House as its main location in the film.

                IMMORTAL DIALOGUE

                                  

                 " Ducks don't DROWN. Look."

    " Well, we can't have you walking about like a WHORE."

                                   " They think you're DEAD mummy."

              "LOOK, what you've done. You KILLERS !!"

              " I'm not going to eat you, you silly bitch."

 "Do you know what it's like sitting on a park bench as the cars come cruising by, waiting for some poor bastard that no one else wants to sleep with ."

           " You look more like a COW than my late wife."

" Listen here, you mysterious bitch, you FLUFF, you COW ."

                  "Oh, Poor  Mummy. You are stiff as a rod. "

                              THE CAST
                Leonora ... ELIZABETH TAYLOR
                Cenci ... Mia Farrow
                Albert .. Robert Mitchum
                Hannah .. Peggy Ashcroft
                Hilda ... Pamela Brown

         MY BOTTOM LINE IS ...
SECRET CEREMONY (1968) will not appease your average film Fan. It is definitely too dark and too twisted to appeal to their pallet. This film is for those of us, who enjoy a great train wreck that has gone off the rails into the uncanny. Believe me, it certainly does, and will not disappoint in that expect. SECRET CEREMONY (1968) is a multi-layered psychological melodrama that needs numerous viewing to be understood. Once you have gained the clarity of this muddled disaster, you may find yourself appreciating it as a forgotten gem. At least that was my experience anyways.

Elizabeth Taylor gives a tour de force performance here, sadly not many will appreciate it due to the film's reputation and it's obscurity. Taylor definitely tapped into her own sufferings that life has dealt her for the portrayal of the middle-aged prostitute that has lost herself holding onto the past. I am quite surprised of the pop shots in the dialogue that Taylor had to endure about her weight. But  Taylor seems to take it in great stride, who was once considered to be the Most Beautiful Woman in the World in her prime, only to be referred to as a FAT COW in this film. SECRET CEREMONY may be filled with campy dialogue, but too dark and depressing to become a Cult Favorite.