| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Christopher Lee | ... | ||
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Gaia Germani | ... |
Laura
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Philippe Leroy | ... |
Eric
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Mirko Valentin | ... |
Sandro
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| Donald Sutherland | ... |
Sgt. Paul /
The witch /
The old man
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Renato Terra | ... |
Policeman
(as Renato Terra Caizzi)
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Antonio De Martino | ... |
Nick
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Luciano Pigozzi | ... |
Dart
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Ennio Antonelli | ... |
Gianni
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Jacques Stany | ... |
Bruno
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Luigi Bonos | ... |
Marc
(as Luigi W. Bonos)
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All'inizio dell'800 una compagnia di girovaghi è specializzata in uno spettacolo durante il quale viene messa in scena una falsa impiccagione. Durante un sosta vengono invitati dal conte Drago nel suo castello. L'arlecchino della compagnia viene licenziato da Bruno dopo una lite ed il suo posto viene preso da Eric, ex ufficiale. E così partono per il castello; per strada incontrano una vecchia che predice loro che arrivati a destinazione alcuni incontreranno la morte. Nella foresta vedono inoltre un corvo che sembra vivo, ma vivo non è. E infine giungono al castello dove, dietro una porta aperta, trovano ad attenderli una sala piena di uccelli imbalsamati, o che almeno lo sembrano. Fa quindi la sua comparsa il conte Drago. Written by Baldinotto da Pistoia
Ambiance is what it's all about, and this film has plenty of it. The setting is Europe during the Napoleonic era. A traveling circus troop has been invited to perform at a mysterious castle for a Count and his sleazy looking sidekick. This appears to be Donald Sutherland's first film, and he does a terrific job in a dual role. His presentation of an old hag-like witch is unforgettable. After seeing the movie, I found myself repeating some of the macabre rhymes, such as "Some will live and some will die before the morning sun is high." The acting is solid throughout. Don't expect a lot of action or violence. There's plenty of suspense throughout, however. The female minstrel is most exotic looking, and one watches in anticipation that she might eventually hike her skirt. The tension generated is occasionally broken by comic relief; some of it unintentional no doubt. There is a bit of sword play at the end, which appeared very awkward, but the awkwardness seemed to enhance the realism in a most peculiar way. It had been years since I had seen this film, and I fondly recalled it. I was successful in locating a reasonably crisp copy on DVD. I plan on watching it again soon. I easily rate it a 7 out of 10 based on entertainment value. After all, how many films can offer up their own midget toss?