iljavenissov

The story was very twisted and complicated and you really need to concentrate to keep up with the twists and turns of it. Nice actors and overall atmosphere. I think it was meant to be comedy first, because there are some hilarious moments, but also good jump scares.

You get what you get in first 10 minutes or so; from then on it's just mediaeval locations and some lukewarm attempts at excitement or comedy. The story never really goes anywhere and doesn't involve the viewer. I found myself thinking other stuff during the screening.

Renato Polselli tried similar formula of gothic lore mixed with sexy female dancers and somewhat silly musical showstoppers in Il mostro dell' opera a couple of years later. I like them both; the films have a great moody atmosphere and are well shot and even scripted. The actresses, goes without saying, are gorgeous and the sex factor is high. These early films make one wonder, why Polselli isn't up there in the par with the likes of Bava; but then some of his later work is really sloppy and that's probably the reason why. This one is definitely a very enjoyable piece of period horror, especially if you like modernist dance moves and beatnik music (don't be fooled, there's no classical ballet in this one).