Crescendo (1970): cast, story & where to watch
1970 · Film · ★ 5.2
Released in 1970, Crescendo is a thriller and horror film directed by Alan Gibson, running about 96 minutes. “And . . . for Lovers of the Macabre” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. An innocent project transforms into a perilous nightmare when researcher Susan Roberts arrives in France in search of information on a deceased composer. She contacts his widow whose mental deterioration, precipitated by the death of her husband, manifests itself in psychotic dementia. The young woman's arrival triggers an obsessive desire to marry her crippled son to Susan, ensuring by this union that the genius of the father will be passed on to future generations.
Who’s in it. Crescendo stars Stefanie Powers as Susan Roberts, James Olson as Georges Ryman / Jacques Ryman, Joss Ackland as Carter and Margaretta Scott as Danielle Ryman, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.2/10, Crescendo has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Crescendo page.
If you liked it. Fans of Crescendo tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Crescendo (1970)?
- In US, Crescendo is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Crescendo worth watching?
- Crescendo holds an audience score of 5.2 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller and horror. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Crescendo?
- Crescendo stars Stefanie Powers, James Olson, Joss Ackland, Margaretta Scott and Jane Lapotaire.
- When was Crescendo released?
- Crescendo was released in 1970, with a runtime of about 96 minutes.