Ritratto di donna velata

Spooky, gripping TV series set in historical Tuscany. The protagonist is Luigi (Nino Castelnuovo), a hapless test driver who meets the mysterious Elisa (Daria Nicolodi, at the time the partner of horror director Dario Argento), supposedly the reincarnation of an 18th century lady whose portrait hangs in a gloomy villa near the ancient town of Volterra. The plot is quite intricate and involves a horse-riding ghost, a teenage boy with psychic powers who sometimes talks with the voice of an old man and an urn which is the key to an Etruscan necropolis full of incredible treasures. Some of the strange goings-on are finally unmasked but the story ends with a final double twist and the lingering doubt that Elisa might actually be the reincarnation of the lady from the portrait after all... This little gem was originally broadcast in September 1975 and belongs to the heyday of Italian TV fiction – supernatural elements, spooky historical settings and fine, theatrical dialogue which made for compelling viewing. Miles away from the awful TV productions of these days – mostly revolving around the mafia, the local priest and the local police station.

I remember this 5 or 6 part mini-serie during late '70 when I was a child. It was a strange story of a painting of a woman with her face hidden by a lace which was the key to an ancient pre-romans cemetery. The music score was played by Riz Ortolani and unfortunately I remember few details because the storyline was complicated for a child. But I don't know why but I like it.

It's a pity that now this product is not available neither in VHS nor DVD.

I'd like to see it again !