Danger: Diabolik (1968)
"Diabolik" (original title)

Fey super-thief Diabolik runs around stealing jewels, gold, murdering innocent people, and being a nuisance to the government of a generic European country.

Director:

Mario Bava

Writers:

Angela Giussani (story), Luciana Giussani (story),

Stars:

John Phillip Law, Marisa Mell, Michel Piccoli

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Phillip Law	...	Diabolik
Marisa Mell	...	Eva Kant
Michel Piccoli	...	Inspector Ginko
Adolfo Celi	...	Ralph Valmont
Claudio Gora	...	Police Chief
Mario Donen	...	Sgt. Danek
Renzo Palmer	...	Minister's Assistant
Caterina Boratto	...	Lady Clark
Lucia Modugno	...	Prostitute
Annie Gorassini	...	Rose
Carlo Croccolo	...	Lorry Driver
Lidia Biondi	...	Policewoman (as Lidia Biondi C.S.C.)
Andrea Bosic	...	Bank Manager
Federico Boido	...	Valmont's Henchman
Tiberio Mitri	...	Valmont's Henchman

Storyline

In psychedelic swinging 60s style, the dreaded thief (and killer) Diabolik wreaks havoc on a generic European country for his own financial gain and amusement. He shares an extravagant underground lair (and a giant bed of money) with his curvaceous, superficial girlfriend...who uses her awesome powers of wig-wearing to help Diabolik kill innocent people and steal billions from the government. Nonetheless, Diabolik is the "hero" of the film because he must face off against bumbling cops and revenge-seeking mafiosos.

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Plot Keywords:

money | jewel | anti hero | thief | police inspector | 

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Taglines:

Out for all he can take, seduce, or get away with...

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Fantasy

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Certificate:

M

Details

Country:

Italy France

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

May 1968 (USA)

Also Known As:

Danger: Diabolik

Filming Locations:

Dino De Laurentiis Cinematografica Studios, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Budget:

$400,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dino de Laurentiis Cinematografica, Marianne Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Featured in the final episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000.

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Goofs

The gold ingot is lowered into its "coffin" using simple rope. Two strands of rope of this thickness would not be able to handle anywhere near 20 tons. (The lid of the "coffin" is however lowered using steel cables though.) Also gold is quite soft and flexible and should have more underneath support than what is given in the film.

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Quotes

Diabolik: If you didn't see him... he's there.

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Connections

Referenced in Max-Out (1970)

User Reviews

Under-rated, over-the-top, and down-right swanky!

I've rented "Danger: Diabolik" three times now, and each time I discover more to enjoy. I recommend setting aside any prejudice that may accompany Mario Bava's name (or John Phillip Law's, for that matter), and viewing it with the same frame of mind as you would for viewing a Connery-era Bond film or either of the "Flints": as stylish period pieces; heavy on action, light on plot logic, and all done with tongue-in-cheek.

Sure, Law's acting skills are slight, but so are Connery's. And Diabolik manages a most unusual thing for a super-dude: he is happily faithful to his mate (played by the ravishing Marisa Mell) for the entire film.

The sets are (with one exception) terrific - at least as good as Bond's or Flint's. The costuming, cinematography and action scenes are top-notch. Ennio Morricone's score is just about the best I've heard in it's genre. There are enough plot twists and clever bits to keep anyone interested.

Give it a try; I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.