Director – Javier Seto (Viva America!, Long Play)
Cast: Larry Ward (The Deathead Virgin, The Manhunter), Teresa Gimpera (The Tunnel, The Spirit of the Beehive) and Giacomo Rossi Stuart (The Last Man on Earth, War Between the Planets)
Release date – 1969
Rating – 3/5
Blu-Release – 3/5
Boutique labels like Mondo Macabro don’t get the recognition they truly deserve. I’m a horror and exploitation collector, but I don’t need every Evil Dead, Night of the Living Dead, and Friday the 13th release that hits stores. I want films that I’ve never seen or that have never made their way to previous formats.
That’s why I always look forward to new releases from Mondo Macabro. A while ago, MM published the 1969 crime novel “Shadow of Death”, which was originally published under the title “Macabre”. This was new to me and I couldn’t wait to dive into it. As always, I would like to thank Mondo Macabro for sending me this book.
**Spoiler alert** The film is about a blonde model wife who has an affair with her husband’s twin sister. He is a successful businessman and the couple plan to brainwash him until he is on the verge of going crazy. However, their plans are thwarted when a professional blackmailer shows up and tries to secure a share of the money, leading to paranoia and a web of lies. **Spoiler alert**
I went to see Shadow of Death knowing absolutely nothing about it, other than a few giallo junkies I know mentioning how much they like it. While I was a little disappointed by how little the title and alternate title matched the film, I did have some fun with this one.
The acting is a highlight of the film. Larry Ward as twins Peter and John, Teresa Gimpera as the adulterous wife and Giacomo Rossi Stuart as the blackmailer are absolutely brilliant together. Their characters make the film and their on-screen chemistry was perfect. Although I enjoyed the supporting cast as well, it is these three that make the film as entertaining as it is.
The story of this film is one I’m familiar with from Gothic horror films of the early to mid-’60s. While it’s nothing new, it works as a giallo to a certain extent. Still, it doesn’t deserve the titles “Shadow of Death” or “Macabre.” It’s a solid crime thriller that fits well with the pulp crime stories that giallo takes its name from.
Finally, the film is not gory. While there is a bit of violence and a bit of bloodshed, that’s about it. Those expecting a body count or a bloodbath will certainly be disappointed. Overall, Shadow of Death is one of the milder giallo films I’ve reviewed over the years, but it is very entertaining. The Mondo Macabro release is a must-see for film collectors. Check it out
Special features:
Original Spanish version, digitally restored from 35mm negative.
Interview with Ángel Sala, Director of the Sitges International Film Festival.
Alternative scenes.
Original English trailer.
Spanish/English audio selection.
Newly translated English subtitles.
