Is Assault Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Assault is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Assault Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1971, Assault emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama, Horror, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After a schoolgirl is raped while taking a short cut through the local woods, and another murdered a few days later, the police are baffled. Unlike standard genre fare, Assault attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Assault features a noteworthy lineup led by Suzy Kendall . Supported by the likes of Frank Finlay and Freddie Jones , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Assault (1971) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Assault Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Assault is a Crime, Drama, Horror, Mystery film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Assault Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Assault attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Assault reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Assault Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Assault incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, horror, mystery film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Assault adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Assault?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Assault
- Suzy Kendall – Julie West
- Frank Finlay – Det. Chief Supt. Velyan
- Freddie Jones – Reporter
- James Laurenson – Greg Lomax
- Lesley-Anne Down – Tessa Hurst
Top Highlights
Suzy KendallJulie West
Frank FinlayDet. Chief Supt. Velyan
Freddie JonesReporter
James LaurensonGreg Lomax
Lesley-Anne DownTessa Hurst
Tony BeckleyLeslie Sanford
Anthony AinleyMr. Bartell
Dilys HamlettMrs. Sanford
James CosmoDet. Sgt. Beale
Marianne StoneMatron
Where to Watch Assault Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Assault is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.1/10, and global collection metrics, Assault stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1971 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Assault movie hit or flop?
Assault has received mixed reviews with a 5.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Assault worth watching?
Assault is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama, Horror movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Assault online?
Assault may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Assault Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Assault
**_A rapist/murderer lurks in the woods outside a girls’ school near London_** “Assault” (1971) was renamed “In the Devil’s Garden” for its American release. It fits because the only eyewitness in the movie says that the killer looks like the devil. Yet producers also wanted to take advantage of satan’s popularity in cinema in 1973-1974 when it finally made it to America. Lesley-Anne Down appears as the main student and was only 16 years-old during shooting. She hadn’t yet blossomed into the jaw-dropping beauty of “The Great Train Robbery” eight years later, but it’s interesting seeing her when she was so young. Elsewhere, Suzy Kendall plays the art teacher, the story’s heroine, and is quite attractive with the quintessential early 70’s look. As for the masculine cast, there’s a pesky reporter reminiscent of the soon-to-come Kolchak. Meanwhile three main suspects rise to the fore, but I had a hard time distinguishing between them. At the end of the day, this is a British murder mystery comparable to a giallo and I found the commentary on male lust psychologically interesting. For instance, the headmistress’ husband regularly leers at the girls at the school and even “cops a feel” when he can, which naturally doesn’t help his marriage. It’s frustrating for the wife, needless to say. Then there’s the contrast between fantasizing about alluring lasses versus actually raping & killing them. As the detective points out, he can’t book men for their dubious thoughts, only their criminal actions. You have to roll with the questionable elements in order to appreciate the flick. For instance, why would the killer be skulking in the titular “garden” waiting for prey when he knew the area was taboo by that point, although a clueless girl indeed walks through. Not to mention, the teacher & several of her students drive through at the very moment a crime is committed (or, more accurately, just committed). Why Sure! It runs 1 hours, 31 minutes, and was shot in Buckinghamshire, which is just northwest of London, and more specifically: Heatherden Hall, Pinewood Studios; Windsor’s End; Black Park Country Park; and London Road, Beaconsfield. GRADE: B-
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