Unman, Wittering and Zigo

Unman, Wittering and Zigo is a British psychological thriller film from 1971 directed by John Mackenzie. The movie stars David Hemmings as John Ebony, a young, inexperienced teacher who accepts a job teaching at a boys' school, only to find himself in the middle of a terrifying mystery. Carolyn Seymour plays his new wife and Douglas Wilmer is the headmaster of the school.

The movie starts with John Ebony arriving at the school with his new wife, Beatrice. He is replacing a teacher who died in a tragic accident. At first, things seem normal and John is excited to start his new job, but he soon realizes that something is not quite right.

During his first class, John overhears his students talking about a secret society that holds meetings in a nearby woods. He doesn't think much of it at first but becomes increasingly concerned when he discovers that the previous teacher, who he replaced, was investigating this same society.

John grows increasingly paranoid that something sinister is going on at the school. He tries to bring it to the attention of the headmaster, Mr. Winstanley, played by Douglas Wilmer, but he doesn't take him seriously. John then finds a notebook belonging to the previous teacher, which leads him to uncover disturbing secrets about the school's students and faculty.

As he delves deeper into this mystery, John begins to suspect that the students in his class, especially three boys - Unman, Wittering, and Zigo - are involved in the secret society and may have been responsible for the previous teacher's death. He becomes obsessed with proving his theory and becomes increasingly isolated and erratic.

The tension builds throughout the movie, and the ending is both shocking and unexpected. The film explores the theme of power and the misuse of it, as well as the blurred lines between right and wrong. The acting is excellent, with David Hemmings delivering a standout performance as the increasingly paranoid and desperate teacher.

The cinematography is also noteworthy with many scenes shot in a shadowy, foreboding style, adding to the overall atmosphere of the film. The movie's score is also effective, building tension and adding to the feeling of unease.

In addition to the thrilling plot, Unman, Wittering, and Zigo also provides a stark commentary on British society's obsession with conformity at the time. The movie suggests that the boys' school, with its rigid hierarchy and emphasis on discipline, is a breeding ground for rebellion and dissent.

Overall, Unman, Wittering, and Zigo is a tense and thought-provoking thriller with excellent performances and a gripping plot. It's a must-see for fans of British psychological thrillers and a fascinating glimpse into the societal mores of the time.