The sweet body of Deborah
Italy, 1968
Director: Romolo Guerrieri
Script: Ernesto Gastaldi, Luciano Martino
Cast: Carroll Baker (Deborah), Jean Sorel (Marcel), Ida Galli/Evelyn Stewart (Suzanne), Luigi Pistilli (Philip)
Music: Nora Orlandi
Plot
Deborah and Marcel, a newlywed couple, are heading to Geneva on their honeymoon. She is from the United States, while he is from the Swiss city. Once in Geneva they meet Phillippe, an old friend of his. He pretends not to recognize Marcel, and then blames him for the death of Suzanne, a young woman with whom Marcel had a relationship before he left for the United States and met Deborah. Suzanne apparently committed suicide, and Philippe holds his old friend responsible for the tragic event. The news disturbs the happiness of the young couple. Marcel feels remorse, and Deborah begins to take barbiturates, until she too is about to pass away. Luckily, a neighboring painter manages to save her. That painter, named Robert, becomes a suitor for the attractive US-American. At the same time, a series of threatening phone calls begin to harass the couple. Marcel suspects that Phillippe is the one making them, with the aim of tormenting them in revenge for Suzanne’s death…
Commentary
Thriller with melodramatic and romantic content, this one starring Carrol Baker and Jean Sorel. Revenge and resentment, betrayal and deception, as well as greed and petty economic interests are intermingled in the accumulation of motivations that drive the characters. Among them also stands out Ida Galli as Susan, and Luigi Pistilli as Phillippe.
However, the film can hardly be considered a giallo (as it is usually catalogued). We won’t see here mysterious black-gloved killers or a detective story as the main plot. There is more emphasis on melodrama and relationships between couples than on suspense and intrigue. Therefore it can be a bit disappointing for the most purist followers of the giallo. However, in its last section the film takes a surprisingly effective and convincing turn in terms of plot. Thus, as a whole, the film is quite acceptable. The film was directed by Romolo Guerrieri, brother of Marino Girolami and uncle of Enzo G. Castellari (both also directors).
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