The Mark (1961)
1/10
This is disturbing on 973 different levels.../Spoilers
25 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Well, I guess somewhere in an underground bunker a cabal gathered around a table discussing where they were going to take society after divorces were passe. Interestingly, about 3:45 into the movie, a character opens a window complaining about the heat stating, "I'm sure the climate is changing. They say it's due to the..." she doesn't complete her sentence - I guess they hadn't concocted a reason yet. But that's nothing. Brace yourself for a deeply sympathetic take on pedos.

The main character is recently released from prison for attempted r*p* of a 10 year old and is on probation after 3 yrs. This apparently was before the psychiatric arena understood it is the only incurable, non-treatable mental illnesses on planet earth. (maybe because their victims have their childhood violently eradicated for life (just my op having witnessed its horrific effects)).

Somehow, a simple call from the psychologist to a mega-corp CEO was all that was necessary to land a high-paying job with infinite upward mobility. Yah doan't say! Despite the fact he hasn't practiced in his field for 3 yrs, he's somehow a wizard at facts/figures. Manages in the blink of an eye to get the CEO's attention, affection, gratitude, despite the boss knowing the nature of his crime. In fact he's sooo good at his new role, the previous quasi-partner of several decades gets the boot for the newb. Yah doan't say!

The single, 42 y.o. Irish psychologist, who likes to drink and uses it to relax patients, believes he's cured after some group therapy amongst other criminals. These sessions are disgustingly portrayed. Apparently the doc never instructed the pt. To reveal criminal background to dating partners even with under-aged children. In a session the character/pt admits to stopping at a playground to look at kids - doesn't seem to bother doc at all - cause he's 'cured'! In fact, the only reason he's stuck going to sessions is because its mandated for parolees.

They actually dramatize the crime - and GET THIS!! -the doc lays part of the blame on the kid! Making the claim "Even a 10 year old girl can seduce a man." Of course the kid they show did not, and was traumatized by the attempted crime. But the poor guy threw up (vomitted), threw himself on the mercy of the court, and was really, really sorry.

Anyway, after convincing himself he's not a homosexual, he earnestly dates a co-worker with an 11 y.o., who - you guessed it - is absolutely crazy over mom's new love interest! Anyway, a nasty journalist snaps a pic of him holding hands with the kid, despite the fact no law is mentioned that forbade him close contact. Needless to say - he's SOL, or is he? Girlfriend finds out his crime - eventually feels he's worth the risk, despite the fact he hid it from her to begin with.

There is no coincidence that Lolita came out the following year to glowing reviews. Well, 60 yrs later and 17/17 reviews are great! In fact in 1961 thee lead Mr. Whitman was nominated for an Oscar - Yah doan't say!!! Out of the four raving reviews on the poster - 3 are from NYC outlets - Yah doan't say! There's a reason they let this one sneak out now. The day is coming.
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