Fans of the genre known as giallo will want to take note
concerning the release of this title. It is a prime example of that genre
they’ll want to add to their collections quickly as Twilight Time per their
usual stance has only 3,000 copies for sale.
If you’re unfamiliar with the genre the name comes from a
series of lurid paperback mystery books that were popular in post war Italy
recognizable for their yellow covers that made them easy to spot when looking
for one. When adapted to film there were certain characteristics that became
noticeable, most notable the fact we never saw the criminal’s face but did see
their hands almost always encased in black leather gloves. The genre began in
the early to mid-sixties and gave rise to the careers of directors like Mario
Bava and Dario Argento.
This film tells the story of young Elizabeth Janon whose
uncle has recently died unexpectedly. She arrives at his castle with her fiancé
in tow as well as another couple who will meet them there later. Once there she
is greeted by Claudine, the governess of the house who helped her uncle take
care of things including his ex-secretary who was injured and left unable to
speak after a horrible accident. Elizabeth is told of ghost that haunt the
castle and strange goings on by Claudine who encourages her to sell the castle,
telling her it was what her uncle intended to do before his demise.
From there on Elizabeth is haunted by various dreams and
goings on in the castle, unsure if what she is experiencing is real of just in
her mind. Numerous other characters are introduced including a young painter
who may be something other than what she claims, a strange man at the local
restaurant, a nearby neighbor who is most interested in buying the castle and
Claudine’s lover whose face is never seen.
One description of this movie was that it was a cross
between an “Agatha Christie novel and Scooby Doo” and that’s not far off. There
is plenty of mystery on hand here as well as clues being dropped left and right
as to who the murderer might be. The only thing that bothered me with these
characters is that Elizabeth’s fiancé is supposed to be a reporter and yet he
seems not to find anything mysterious until late in the picture. Other than
that I found it to be a movie that was well made and worth watching.
The movie is considered a classic of the genre and fans of
giallo will want to make sure their collection is complete by adding this one
to it. All the ingredients are on display here and the movie is an enjoyable
film that holds your interest from start to finish. A warning to those
unwilling to read subtitles, the movie does not have an English language
version here. Suck it up cupcake and get over it. Learn that there are movies
made in other countries in their own language and take the risk that you might
enjoy one if you just take the time.
Extras are limited here with this release. There is an
isolated music and sound effects track as well as an audio commentary track
with film historians David Del Valle and Derek Botelho. As stated earlier Twilight Time as per their
usual methods is only offering 3,000 limited edition copies of this film. Make
sure if you want this one that you order today.
Click here to order.
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