This minor classic of gothic horror from Italy stars British actress Barbara Steele—a genre icon—in a dual role. In the first scenes, she plays Helen, the daughter of a woman burned alive as a witch by the corrupt Baron Kurt Humboldt (George Ardisson), a man who also subsequently kills Helen. After Helen's innocent young stepsister, Lisabeth (Halina Zalewska), grows into a beauty and is forced to marry the scheming nobleman, Steele reappears as a spirit named Mary, acting on behalf of the slain mother to take revenge on the aristocrats. While this 1964 film is short on traditional horror set pieces (and plot), it boasts plenty of lovely imagery and ominous atmosphere. Director Antonio Margheriti's camera lingers on the gorgeous castle locations—secret passageways, crypts, and dungeons—as well as the mesmerizing Steele, whose scary beauty is delicate and vulnerable, yet also feral and fierce. The Long Hair of Death meanders more than it unnerves, but the finale is perfectly orchestrated, delivering deliciously cruel poetic justice that carries echoes of Mario Bava's Black Sunday. Remastered for DVD and its Blu-ray debut, the image features good detail but also some damage from the original print. Extras include bonus interviews, and a booklet. Likely to appeal to genre fans, this is a strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)
The Long Hair of Death
Raro, 94 min., not rated, DVD: $24.95, Blu-ray: $29.95 Volume 30, Issue 2
The Long Hair of Death
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