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Title: The emergence of Italian Horror Cinema
Review: What we in America came to know as drive-in fodder for the Sixties actually had it's start with I, VAMPIRI in 1956. The Italians developed a uniquely atmospheric style in black&white photography with minimal resources and maximum talent. Director Freda and cinematographer/director Bava utilized native European influences as opposed to the predominantly Hollywood style of horror to create intricate mood pieces such as 1960's BLACK SUNDAY and 1962's HORRIBLE DOCTOR HITCHCOCK which owe everything to this seminal first collaboration between the two filmmakers. Basically a modern retelling of the Elizabeth Bathory legend of a Countess kept young by bathing in the blood of virgins, with the now classic mad doctor theme added, this fine little film suffered much mutilation in it's transfer to American screens. It is good that this minor classic can now be seen as intended, with the beautiful widescreen photography restored. Don't miss it!
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