Edgar Allan Poe's Black Cats

Two Italian adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Black Cat" use the short story as a foundation for bloody horror films but otherwise share little in common. Your Vice Is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key (1972), one of the better examples of the distinctive Italian horror genre known as giallo, features sadistic murders by a mysterious killer who stalks beautiful women—serving up scenes of sex, sadism, and exploitative nudity. The story, set in the decadent mansion of a cruel writer who publicly humiliates his wife, stars sexy Italian beauty Edwige Fenech as the writer's gorgeous young niece, who arrives for a visit and immediately stirs things up. There is a black cat, a family treasure, and a conspiracy of terror behind the murders, but the plot isn't as important as the style and spectacle provided by director Sergio Martino. The Black Cat (1981), directed by Lucio Fulci, throws in elements from other Poe tales. Patrick Magee stars as a psychic who can send his pet cat to kill his enemies, and Mimsy Farmer costars as a photographer and amateur detective who notices the scratches on each victim that the cops missed. It's a confusing mystery and a muddled film that features blood and nudity, but is tame compared to Fulci's infamous gore classics. Neither are essentials of the genre but both are entertaining and have been beautifully mastered for this double feature. Extras include audio commentary on The Black Cat, a collection of bonus interviews, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and an 80-page book. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)