Sweets from a Stranger (1987)
"Caramelle da uno sconosciuto" (original title)

A serial killer is terrifying the prostitutes in a big Italian city. After few barbaric murdering four prostitutes Lena, Angela, Nadine and Stella decide to unify and try to self-defend ... See full summary »

Director:

Franco Ferrini

Writers:

Franco Ferrini, Andrea Giuseppini

Stars:

Barbara De Rossi, Marina Suma, Athina Cenci

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Barbara De Rossi	...	Lena
Marina Suma	...	Angela
Athina Cenci	...	Nadine
Mara Venier	...	Stella
Laura Betti	...	Jolanda
Anny Papa	...	Monica (as Annie Papa)
Gerardo Amato	...	Il cliente / amante di Angela
Sabrina Ferilli	...	La romana
Maurizio Donadoni	...	L'ispettore di Polizia
Anna Galiena	...	Isa
Lidia Broccolino
Antonella Ponziani	...	La prima vittima
Alessandra Bonarotta	...	Claudia (as Alessandra Bonarota)
Ilaria Cecchi	...	Valentina
Luciana Cirenei

Storyline

A serial killer is terrifying the prostitutes in a big Italian city. After few barbaric murdering four prostitutes Lena, Angela, Nadine and Stella decide to unify and try to self-defend themselves. The police and all the other prostitutes agree with the four and the hunting is open. Who is the cruel killer?

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Plot Keywords:

prostitute | police | serial killer | female nudity | giallo | 

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Genres:

Horror | Thriller

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Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

30 April 1987 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Sweets from a Stranger

Company Credits

Production Co:

Numero Uno Cinematografica S.r.l., Reteitalia

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Good idea, mediocre result

This Giallo by Argento collaborator Franco Ferrini (he co-wrote the screenplay for "Non ho sonno" for example) tells a story typical for the genre: A hooded killer slays prostitutes with a razor. But the film is still quite unique: It puts the prostitutes in the center of the story. The women huddle together and decide to investigate on their own because they don't trust the police. The identity of the killer is quite a surprise and one of the film's highlights.

Problem is that "Caramelle da uno sconosciuto" is overtly talky and sometimes almost becomes rather a social drama than a straightforward thriller with social issues. There are also some humorous moments, which are quite funny, but don't really fit into the film. The soundtrack has its moments, though, and there are a bunch of really stylish scenes in good old Giallo tradition.

To wrap it up, one could say that with a tighter script and more concentration on the thriller plot, this Giallo could have been a sleeper of its genre. But as it is, it's just a mediocre picture. Rating: 5 out of 10.