PLOT OF FEAR
                                    (PAL VHS)
                                       (1976)
                                          review by Monkeyman

A man is strangled by a prostitute(possibly a transvestite),a woman is beaten to death 
with a large spanner,and a prostitute is burnt alive.The murderer leaves a calling card 
at the murder scenes,a page from a book of fairy tales by Hoffman.All these murders 
are seemingly linked to the "accidental"death of a prostitute four years earlier at a party 
held by rich degenerates called the "Wildlife Society".A police inspector hooks up with 
a top model,and together they try to crack the case.This is one of those films where you 
have to learn not to believe everything you see and hear,as what unfolds in front of 
your eyes is not always the truth.

This is a playful giallo,helped by its eclectic cast,including the likes of Tom Skerritt
(Alien),and Eli Wallach (The good,the bad,and the ugly) John Steiner from Argentos 
Tenebrae also makes a welcome appearance,for once playing it totally straight.
Wallach in particular is dubbed with a voice which is totally unlike his own,which is 
rather disconcerting to say the least.The main leads are an engaging couple,and Clery 
is as gorgeous as ever both with and without her clothes!

Director Cavara was also responsible for my favourite giallo,Black Belly of the Tarantula
and while this film isnt in the same league its an entertaining enough couple of hours.
Bernardino Zapponi is the writer here, and he also had a hand in writing Argento's 
Deep Red.

So, in conclusion,though not an essential giallo, this is certainly recommended viewing.