Though the story of Crime and Punishment was written and set in the 19th century, this film version takes place in the then-future setting of the late 20th century. Rodion Raskolnikov, a student in his twenties who lives in Moscow, has published a paper in which he argues that certain superior individuals can legitimately ignore laws, even those against murder. He acts out this arrogant theory by murdering an old woman, who is a pawnbroker, and her sister, who accidentally witnesses the crime. In the aftermath, Raskolnikov is increasingly tortured by his conscience.
The release of the film had been restricted by legal matters that left it seized in a bankruptcy lien.[1]
It was eventually released in the UK on DVD by Prism Leisure Corporation.[2]
References
^Paul, Louis (2007). Tales from the cult film trenches: interviews with 36 actors from horror, science fiction and exploitation cinema. McFarland.
