Lash of the Penitentes (1936)

Overview: Fact and fiction collide in this exploitation flick that employs documentary footage depicting the bizarre self-flagellation rituals of the fanatical Catholic sect known as the Penitentes. Mixed with those truly disturbing sequences is a story concerning a killing in New Mexico, itself inspired by the murder of real-life reporter Carl Taylor as he worked on an article on the Penitentes.

Starring: Marie DeForrest, William Marcos, Victor Justi, Josef Swickard

Categories: Mystery, Crime, Drama