The Long Hair of Death

 

Moviedrome Introduction


Film Details

Release Date: 1964

Director: Antonio Margheriti

Stars:
Barbara Steele as Helen Rochefort

Plot Summary:
"The Long Hair of Death" (Italian: "I lunghi capelli della morte") is a 1964 Italian Gothic horror film directed by Antonio Margheriti. The film is set in medieval Europe and revolves around themes of revenge, betrayal, and superstition.

The story begins with a woman named Helen Rochefort (played by Barbara Steele), who is falsely accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. Before her death, she curses the family responsible for her demise. Several years later, the Rochefort family faces a series of mysterious deaths, and a woman who bears a striking resemblance to Helen mysteriously appears.

As the plot unfolds, secrets and deceit within the Rochefort family come to light. The film explores elements of the supernatural, with a ghostly presence seeking vengeance. The atmosphere is dark and brooding, typical of Gothic horror films of the era, and it incorporates elements of Italian horror cinema known as Giallo.

Personal History

I'm not au fait with Spaghetti Horror films.

Current Review

A first film that I have watched on YouTube, which surprisingly was ad free. However, the sound was quite bad - which I am unsure whether was down to the upload or the age of the film. Lots of hissing, but on reflection, I don't think the dialogue was dubbed. Having said that, one of the main male characters sounded suspiciously like Matt Berry.

Black and White, before I got totally bored, I was struck by the visuals, especially in the witch burning scenes at the beginning.


From this point, it became a lesson in characters walking around a castle, the odd jump shot of worms wriggling on skulls and vengeance being played out against village aristocracy who have wronged a woman.

Deadly dull and saved by its brevity.

Quirky Facts

  • Congratulations to the star of a 60 year old film. Barbara Steele is still alive and aged 86.  Let's hope this doesn't promote the idea for a sequel.
  • Stereolab have a song called "The Long Hair of Death". Electro-dirge, lots of wailing and potentially not influenced by the film.

Quotes

  • Barbara Steele screaming does not a quote make.

Sustenance

Spaghetti and Meatballs for a "Spaghetti Horror"..... with an Italian Red.  To be completed.

Future Inspiration

I didn't enjoy the film enough to go back in time and look at one of its influences - "Black Sunday" from 1960.  However, the sub-genre of films - Gaillo - will take me to Dario Argento.

"Giallo" is an Italian film genre that emerged in the 1960s and peaked in the 1970s. The term, meaning "yellow" in Italian, originally referred to yellow-covered mystery novels. Giallo films are characterized by intense mystery and crime narratives, stylized and often artistic violence, psychological thrills, and a distinct visual style with vibrant colors and unconventional camera work. The genre often features a mysterious killer wearing black gloves, and its influence can be seen in the horror and thriller genres worldwide.

I will take the opportunity to finally watch "Suspiria" 


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