The Love Statue

Wimpy struggling Greenwich Village painter Tyler Westin is in love with gorgeous, but mean and snippy cabaret dancer Lisa, who treats Tyler like dirt and constantly belittles him. Sultry nightclub singer Mashiko turns Tyler on to LSD. After a nightmarish three day acid trip, Tyler returns to his shabby apartment to find Lisa murdered. Is Tyler responsible for her death? Or did someone else kill Lisa?

Directed by David E. Durston, The Love Statue leans on a strong ensemble — Gigi Darlene, Mario DeRosa, Harvey J. Goldenberg — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1965.