Anita Todesco Movies
This low-budget Italian production (originally titled Il Mostro di Venezia, or The Monster of Venice) features a psychotic would-be mortician -- clad in a monk's cassock and a death mask -- who effortlessly navigates the catacombs beneath the canals of Venice in order to stalk attractive female prey, later preserving his victim's bodies with embalming fluid for display in his subterranean dungeon. The film's would-be hero is a journalist who races to stop the fiend before the heroine joins his taxidermic collection. The only known feature from writer-director Dino Tavella, this sleazy-looking but basically tame thriller was a perennial drive-in fave, often paired with the equally inept horror quickie The Screaming Skull. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- 1961
A routine Italian costume drama released via Universal Studios, this story is set in Egypt during the usual ancient period. The clichéd tale stars Linda Cristal as Akis, a seductive woman whose attractions are more than enough to qualify her as a source of romantic rivalry. She is sought after by two princes, Sbaku (John Drew Barrymore) and Ramsis (Armando Francioli) who are sworn enemies, not boding well for a long and healthy life span. A remote contender in the romance sweepstakes is Amosi (Pierre Brice), a physician at the court who seems to be the long-shot, but then appearances can be deceiving. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Drew Barrymore, Linda Cristal, (more)
- 1960
Aimed at the youngsters, this typical Italian fantasy-adventure stars Steve Reeves as Karim, the thief of the title. Karim is not only the strongest, fastest, and smartest of thieves, he also has a magic ring and a cape that makes him invisible. Thus armed, he is well-prepared to face a series of Herculean tests in order to win the hand of the Sultan's beautiful daughter Anima (Georgia Moll). These "tests" purify his past wrongdoings and ultimately lead to a blue rose, the key to winning Anima in marriage. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Steve Reeves, Giorgia Moll, (more)
- 1960
Steve Reeves trades sandals and togas for the frilly, functional outfits common to 17th-century buccaneers in Morgan the Pirate. As the real-life Sir Henry Morgan, Reeves is sold into slavery and forced to work on a Panama plantation. He is purchased by haughty Valerie Lagrange; they fall in love, and as punishment Reeves is condemned to toil in the galley of a Spanish vessel. He leads an escape, overtakes the ship, and establishes himself as a pirate captain. In true Captain Blood fashion, he eventually catches up with his former amour LaGrange, laying waste to most of Panama in the process. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Steve Reeves, Valerie Lagrange, (more)
