Filmed in English, this Italian mystery thriller/melodrama explores the murder of a doctor's wife. The doctor himself (Jean Morel) has long since taken up with a mistress. His wife begged out of engagements as an asthmatic, all the while actually entertaining herself with her part-time job as a stripper. Did the doctor kill her? After all, he took out a large life-insurance policy on his wife. One highlight of this film is the effective use of its San Francisco setting. Another is its gas-chamber sequence, filmed in San Quentin's actual gas chamber. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
Review by All Movie Guide
Those horror viewers familiar with
Lucio Fulci's extremist work in the zombie subgenre of horror might be surprised by the subtle, plot-driven thrillers he made at the turn of the 1970's. Una Sull'Altra is a memorable example of his work around this time thanks to its blend of a clever storyline and stylish direction. Fans of
Dario Argento's "giallo" thrillers will find plenty to enjoy here: Fulci hits just the right blend of suspense sequences and crafty plot twists, couching it all in impressive imagery that makes effect use of the film's lovely San Francisco setting. Una Sull'Altra also offers strong performances by a game cast:
Jean Sorel is believable as an easily-distracted playboy who may or may not be a killer,
Elsa Martinelli brings a convincing air of frustration to the role of Sorel's long-suffering mistress and Eurocult favorite
Marisa Mell is bewitching as the mysterious go-go dancer who gets caught in the middle of the couple's romantic struggles. The end result isn't quite as masterful as Argento or
Mario Bava's best giallo outings but Una Sull'Altra is a worthy, well-crafted outing that fans of the genre will find impressive. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide