Paolo Cavara is doubtlessly best known as one of the directors of the Exploitation/Documentary cult-classic "Mondo Cane" (1962). The man doubtlessly also deserves credit, however, for his two fantastic contributions to the Giallo-genre, "La Tarantola Dal Ventre Nero" ("The Black Belly of the Tarantula" (1971) and "...E Tanta Paura" aka. "Too Much Fear" of 1976. "...E Tanta Paura" is an undeservedly little known, but excellent and stunning Giallo that delivers all the elements we love about the genre: A convoluted puzzle, stunning suspense, sadistic murders, sleaze, beautiful women, a wonderful cinematography, a brilliantly mesmerizing score,... even a great cast! "...E Tanta Paura" has a great premise - a murder series based on the stories in the somewhat creepy 19th century German children's book "Der Struwwelpeter" ("Shock-Headed Peter"). As a kid, I was fascinated by the macabre "Shock-Headed Peter" stories, which were originally meant to be educative but seem very morbid today. When I first read about this film, I thought that the stories must make fantastic, creepy Giallo-material; and they definitely do.
Michele Palacido stars as Inspector Gaspare Lomenzo, who must one of the most likable film-detectives ever, and who has to investigate the 'Shock-Headed Peter Murders'. I do not want to give too much of the story away, but fellow Giallo-fans can look forward to a convoluted and compelling puzzle full of genre-typical yet original elements, such as hushed-up past crimes, and decadent orgies of the rich and immoral. Stylish and beautifully filmed, and accompanied by a brilliant and unforgettable score "...E Tanta Paura" is yet another proof that the Italian Giallo is the most elegant and compelling sub-genre that Horror has ever brought forth (along with old-fashioned Gothic tales). The film is full of wonderful 70s sleaze, the murders are sadistic, freakish and extravagant. Leading man Palacido is great in his role, and cult-siren Corinne Clery ("Histoire D'O", "Autostop Rosso Sangue",...) is likable and absolutely ravishing in the female lead. In good Giallo-tradition, the film's female cast includes several beauties, but Miss Clery is the most stunning one. The film's cast includes several Italian genre-cinema greats, such as the always-sinister John Steiner, as well as two international stars: the great Eli Wallach, and Tom Skerrit, who plays a small role. My only regret with this film was that Eli Wallach, who has been one of my favorite actors ever since I saw first him in "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" (doubtlessly one of the greatest films of all-time) as a kid.
As it is the case with most great Gialli, this film is so full of red herrings and convoluted details that I do not want to give a long plot description, as I don't wanna spoil any of the fun. I can say, however, that this gem delivers in all aspects, and that true Giallo fans can definitely not afford to miss it.
Michele Palacido stars as Inspector Gaspare Lomenzo, who must one of the most likable film-detectives ever, and who has to investigate the 'Shock-Headed Peter Murders'. I do not want to give too much of the story away, but fellow Giallo-fans can look forward to a convoluted and compelling puzzle full of genre-typical yet original elements, such as hushed-up past crimes, and decadent orgies of the rich and immoral. Stylish and beautifully filmed, and accompanied by a brilliant and unforgettable score "...E Tanta Paura" is yet another proof that the Italian Giallo is the most elegant and compelling sub-genre that Horror has ever brought forth (along with old-fashioned Gothic tales). The film is full of wonderful 70s sleaze, the murders are sadistic, freakish and extravagant. Leading man Palacido is great in his role, and cult-siren Corinne Clery ("Histoire D'O", "Autostop Rosso Sangue",...) is likable and absolutely ravishing in the female lead. In good Giallo-tradition, the film's female cast includes several beauties, but Miss Clery is the most stunning one. The film's cast includes several Italian genre-cinema greats, such as the always-sinister John Steiner, as well as two international stars: the great Eli Wallach, and Tom Skerrit, who plays a small role. My only regret with this film was that Eli Wallach, who has been one of my favorite actors ever since I saw first him in "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" (doubtlessly one of the greatest films of all-time) as a kid.
As it is the case with most great Gialli, this film is so full of red herrings and convoluted details that I do not want to give a long plot description, as I don't wanna spoil any of the fun. I can say, however, that this gem delivers in all aspects, and that true Giallo fans can definitely not afford to miss it.