From Paul at It Came From Hollywood: “Beyond bizarre offering from Albert Zugsmith. His name may trip a memory or two as he produced The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957), Orson Welle’s Touch of Evil, and High School Confidential, both in 1958 and Confessions of an Opium Eater (1962). Zugsmith’s filmography is studied today in College film courses because he invented, improved upon, and re-created an entire genre of film that defies explanation and, often, logic.
“Films like Sex Kittens Go to College (1960), Platinum High School, also 1960, and Russ Meyer’s Fanny Hill (1964) defined what Albert Zugsmith was about. On Her Bed of Roses reflects none of those films; instead, it dives into Charles Whitman territory with sprinkles of rose fetishism kink. Something I believe Zugsmith held dear to his heart, witness Two Roses and a Golden Rod (1969.) It is a piece of Hollywood history. On Her Bed of Roses is not for the meek (or weak) of heart. Still, everyone can appreciate the pressbook and its over-the-top ballyhoo of a film that is, in itself, over-the-top!”
The movie tells the story of a young man who goes on a highway shooting spree until he turns the gun on himself when the police arrive. His girlfriend explains why, in flashbacks, as she sees Dr. von Krafft-Ebing for therapy, leading up to his shooting spree. It was also known by the title Psycopathia Sexualis, which is the title of 1886’s psychological manual by Dr. Krafft-Ebing (the real one). The cast was composed mostly of Mexican industry performers, a change from the Hollywood people Zugsmith had previously worked with. Sandra Lynn, who played Melissa, had her own musical theme to showcase her. It was shot in two versions: so so steamy and really hot steamy. Peter Bogdonavitch, in 1968, would direct Targets, another highway sniper gone amuck story with no flashbacks.
