Scacco alla regina

Another astonishing European film from the late 60s, translated as, Check to the Queen, on my copy and a prime example of what Tim Lucas calls, Continental Op. In his fascinating article in Video Watchdog No.168, he postulates the theory of a film genre growing out of the mid 60s, 'Op Art' movement and emanating, primarily from Continental Europe. His argument is persuasive and conveniently groups together all those colourful and weird and wonderful films we immediately recognise as of the period, in the main because of the emphasise on style and design. Lucas mentions, Red Desert, Blow Up, Death Laid An Egg, Danger Diabolik and many others and the fact that this is missing says more about its obscurity than its lack of 'Continental Op' credentials. This wild movie tells, in a completely matter of fact way, a tale of how a beautiful young girl volunteers to become the slave of a slightly older wealthy lady media star. As with other movies of this time, a seeming silly notion, is treated quite seriously and at times even discussed in a manner to suggest that we might all be better living in such a way. 'Liberty brings such responsibilities'. But there is too, that look, everything looks wonderful, as if ripped from high art or fashion magazines, nudity is rampant and the music, usually similarly delirious and here composed by Piero Piccioni in an example of the very finest of such scores. The lovely Rosanna Sciaffino is the mistress and delightful young Haydee Politoff, the more than willing slave as we witness a mechanical horse, sexual indiscretions and appropriate punishment, numerous costume changes and even a slave auction. In addition, just when our young slave is being proffered something maybe just a little too much, we have a psychedelic fantasy sequence, showing her desire for something just that little bit more. 'Continental Op' or maybe 'Acid Erotica', either way an original, great looking, great sounding, late 60s cinema experience.