This is another of Pete Walker's British thrillers from the 1970s. So far, my favorite is FRIGHTMARE, but this movie is pretty good, too.
Anthony Sharp (who played the government Minister who feeds Malcolm McDowell at the end of A CLOCKWORK ORANGE) is the sinister Father Meldrum, who tape records people's confessions and punishes sinners. His punishments include strangulation, poisoning, bludgeoning, and other nasty surprises.
This movie suffers from one major flaw: Father Meldrum is obviously a lunatic, but no one notices except Jenny (Susan Penhaligon). When she tries to get people to believe her, they think she is just hysterical and decide the best thing to do is sedate her. How many times have we seen this cliche?
This movie was released under several different titles. The DVD box says THE CONFESSIONAL: HOUSE OF MORTAL SIN. However, the opening credits just use the title HOUSE OF MORTAL SIN.
If you've seen other Pete Walker movies, you'll be pleased that Walker regular Sheila Keith is in this one. She has a pretty good role as Father Meldrum's weird assistant.
Not a great movie . . . but pretty good.
