The Long Hair of Death [I lunghi capelli della morte] *** (1965, Barbara Steele, George Ardisson, Halina Zalewska) – Classic Movie Review 9432

Director Antonio Margheriti’s black and white Gothic 1965 Italian giallo thriller The Long Hair of Death [I Lughi Capelli della Morte] stars Barbara Steele as mysterious vengeful Helen Karnstein, who comes back from the dead to wreak revenge on the villains who burnt her mother Mary Karnstein at the stake because they said she was a witch.

Steele plays both Helen Karnstein and Mary Karnstein, while Halina Zalewska plays both Adele and Lisabeth Karnstein. George Ardisson plays Kurt Humboldt, the worthless nephew of Count Franz Humboldt, who ordered the execution of Mary Karnstein, Kurt is now married to the unhappy Lisabeth, and living in the Humboldt castle.

The Long Hair of Death [I Lughi Capelli della Morte] is a most effective and satisfying Italian horror movie, set in the 15th century, which features a complex plot, great Gothic atmosphere, spooky scenes and moments of spine-tingling shivers.

Margheriti (credited as Anthony Dawson) directs with notable style. Expert writers Ernesto Gastaldi (story) and Tonino Valerii (screenplay and dialogue) are credited as Julian Berry and Robert Bohr.

It was made at Cinecittà Studios, Rome, and at Massimo Castle in Arsoli, near Rome.

Also in the cast are Umberto Raho, Laura Nucci, Giuliano Raffaelli, Nello Pazzafini and Jeffrey Darcey.

The Long Hair of Death [I Lughi Capelli della Morte] is directed by Antonio Margheriti, runs 100 minutes, is made by Cinegai, is released by Unidis (1965) (Italy), is written by Ernesto Gastaldi and Tonino Valerii, shot by Riccardo Pallottini [Richard Thierry], produced by Felice Testa Gay, scored by Carlo Rustichelli and designed by Giorgio Giovannini [George Greenwood].

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 9432

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