E tanta paura

I've seen a lot of giallos and have got pretty good at unraveling convoluted storylines, but I admit defeat with Plot of Fear, which left me more than a tad confused, primarily about the identity of the killer and their modus operandi. I got the gist of the plot - someone is killing off members of a hedonistic club, revenge for the death of a young prostitute during one of their wild parties - but who that person is and why they leave pages from creepy kids book Struwwelpeter (Italian title: Pierino Porcospino) on the victims is something I couldn't grasp.

However, despite being somewhat baffled by the plot (maybe a rewatch is in order when I am less tired), I still had a reasonably good time with the film, largely thanks to the frequent nudity and a couple of nasty deaths: several attractive ladies strip for the camera, with stunning Corinne Cléry (Hitch-hike) getting nekkid for the film's gratuitous sex scene, while the most brutal murders see a woman burnt alive and a guy hung from a meathook, the point emerging from his throat. Also adding to the fun is an amusing excerpt from a pornographic cartoon shown during one of the club's gatherings. Also look out for a pre-Alien Tom Skerritt as one of the cops investigating the case.

A series of brutal and savage murders baffles police.Egocentric inspector Gaspare Lomenzo(Michele Placido)wants to catch elusive killer.The victims were the members of a bizarre sex club called The Fauna Lovers.The club is led by eccentric and filthy rich author Hoffman.The accidental death of a hooker Rosa may help to solve this tough criminal case...After making brilliant giallo "Black Belly of the Tarantula" Paolo Cavara made "Plot of Fear".The film is well-acted and very suspenseful with several surprising plot twists.The set designs are garish,the ladies are beautiful and there is a bit of sleaze.The murders are stylish and unrelenting for example one female victim is burned alive.The portrayal of wealthy decadence in "Plot of Fear" comes across as depressing and unforgiving.8 giallos out of 10.

this is not a typical giallo as it mixes elements of Agatha Christie type of who- done-it (Sherlock Holmes is referenced by a character), and cop thrillers with the regular giallo ingredients. the plot becomes a tad too convoluted by the end, and the final revelation is somewhat lacking in impact, but otherwise this is a fine little thriller that might even prompt multiple viewings. then there's that cast: Corrine Clery, beautiful as ever (especially sans clothes, though her jeans are eye-catching), and Eli Wallach in a pivotal role that he delves into admirably. the big question is, what the hell was Tom Skerritt doing in there? his part is negligible at best. Fans of animation should check out the brief clips of a pornographic, bondage-themed cartoon shown at a party. speaking of which, does anyone know the title of that cartoon film?

'E Tanta Paura' provides a fairly good Italian crime plot, located in the mid-19-Seventies. Carrying all characteristics of its era, a slice of sleaze included.

Nevertheless, to boost up sales, the cover of my DVD adds that Corinne Clery features in this film. And yes, here we have a name that those around at the time may remember: the naked female lead from 'Histoire d'O' (= French for 'the story of O'). It must be said that Clery contributes well to 'E Tanta Paura'; clothed (90%) as well as naked (10%).

'E Tanta Paura' still reasonably entertains without being great. And shows a little dented by the passage of time.

While the usual fashion models are present all of the main characters are men, which is unusual for giallos despite their somewhat misguided stereotype of misogyny. E tanta paura has a creative and twisty plot but it never quite pulled me in or dazzled me. It's a decent little Italian 70s mystery, but not one I'd go out of my way to watch again.

The brightest spot for me was Eli Wallach who just a year later played a similarly cynical "bad cop" in American cult horror The Sentinel. I absolutely had to watch this film in Italian because the English dubbed version is too obviously NOT Wallach's long familiar voice.