Le diable à sept visages

It could perhaps be argued that "The Devil With Seven Faces" shouldn't even be categorized as a giallo, but even though the gore is largely missing (most of the killings are simple shootings), many of the other typical characteristics of the genre are here: the colorful title, the convoluted, twisty and often nonsensical plot (one bit with an apparently dead old lady whose body disappears makes no sense at all!), the music, the European locations, the general "feel", and George Hilton as a charming/shady character. Carroll Baker is several cuts above the average giallo heroine (and boy does she have GREAT LEGS), but on the whole this film is merely passable. Still, those who enjoy the genre and have learned to accept its flaws should probably check this one out. (**)

If you are expecting a good giallo from the title (Il diavolo a sette facce), especially with George Hilton (The Case of the Scorpion's Tail), and Umberto Lenzi's favorite, Carroll Baker (So Sweet... So Perverse, Silent Horror, Paranoia, A Quiet Place to Kill), you will be disappointed.

There is no blood and gore as most of the killing take place with a gun. It is a straight-up crime thriller.

It also stars Golden Globe winner Stephen Boyd (Ben-Hur).

Lots chasing around and some torture as everyone is trying to find a million dollar diamond. Some real excitement towards the end in a windmill. Not a lot of thrillers use windmills. There is Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein, as well as The Black Windmill. which also involves diamonds.

Enjoyable action flick.

...but I loved the film. Reading other viewers comments, may I point out that Stephen Boyd and Charlton Heston's chariot race occurred in 'Ben Hur' NOT 'The Ten Commandments'! I prefer Boyd's work in modern day set films, and this performance rates among his best. Same goes for Carroll Baker, always underrated. I have a soft spot for Lucretia Love. I'll watch anything she's in. Also, some sterling work from Daniele Vargas, as usual, and the guy who played the inspector, Franco Ressel. My copy of the film was on a 50 movie pack called 'Drive In Movie Classics' an absolute bargain with a lot of 'classic' films (of their type), highly recommended right across the board.

Carroll Baker stars as a woman targeted by a group of international jewel thieves who mistake her for her twin sister. It would seem that her twin made off with a serious rock of some other families jewels. Two men help the desperate woman to run from the pursuing thieves but are they what they seem.

'Seven Faces' starts out with the feel of a 'Giallo' (even the name seems to indicate it) but you soon find out that it's a fairly standard crime thriller with the prerequisite twist. The production is pretty standard. It's not overly visually interesting and the script isn't much better. For fans of the genre only.

This film was one of two videos featuring Carroll Baker that I found in a resale shop in Portland, Oregon. The reason I say this is that they both seem to be specialty videos dubbed from international sources and initially sold on a "request only" basis. Being a fan of La Baker, I was anxious to try both. This movie was lensed by a director primarily known for peplum and spaghetti westerns, but manages a nice steady clip and passable performances from the international cast. The plot involves Baker and her "twin sister" with international jewel thieves and a missing diamond. It appears that the criminal element believes Baker is her sister, involved with the potentate whose gem was stolen. Baker approaches solicitor Stephen Boyd and sidekick George Hilton for protection. Those with even a cursory knowledge of Italian gialli know that "all-is-not-what-it-seems" and perhaps knowing this will dilute some of the surprises.

The music is gloriously overblown Morricone-esque lounge, and Baker's blue wig worn at seaside is worth the price of viewing. If you can find this film, I recommend viewing for the sheer brilliance of having an action pursuit taking place in and around a windmill! The setting has been used before and since (most memorably in Black Windmill), but creates a nice frisson not usually associated with Italian thrillers.