Lo Spettro (The Ghost), by director Riccardo Freda, is, for the most part, fairly routine Italian Gothic horror - slow moving, atmospheric, and for the most part, rather predictable. It is, however, bolstered by a superb performance from genre great Barbara Steele, some lovely visuals, and best of all, a preposterous but deliciously dark final act that ties everything up very nicely with an unexpected twist.
The film is set in Scotland in 1910. Steele plays Margaret, wife of crippled doctor John Hichcock (Elio Jotta), whose experiments involving the supernatural are upsetting the superstitious locals. Meanwhile, Margaret is carrying on a secret love affair with Dr. Charles Livingstone, John's physician, who, according to his patient's instructions, has been using a deadly poison (and the requisite antidote) as part of a radical treatment. Margaret hates her husband so much that she talks Charles into neglecting to administer the antidote, leading to a painful death for John. However, after his burial, it appears that John's spirit has returned to haunt Margaret and Charles, who are busy searching the house for the dead man's hidden fortune.
To give away the ending would be to ruin the best part of the whole film, so I'll keep tight-lipped about the twist, suffice to say that it gives Steele the opportunity to let loose, the actress giving a wild-eyed (and what eyes they are!), memorably manic performance that steals the show. If the gradual pace tempts you to switch off before the end, try to be patient - the wait is definitely worth it.
The film is set in Scotland in 1910. Steele plays Margaret, wife of crippled doctor John Hichcock (Elio Jotta), whose experiments involving the supernatural are upsetting the superstitious locals. Meanwhile, Margaret is carrying on a secret love affair with Dr. Charles Livingstone, John's physician, who, according to his patient's instructions, has been using a deadly poison (and the requisite antidote) as part of a radical treatment. Margaret hates her husband so much that she talks Charles into neglecting to administer the antidote, leading to a painful death for John. However, after his burial, it appears that John's spirit has returned to haunt Margaret and Charles, who are busy searching the house for the dead man's hidden fortune.
To give away the ending would be to ruin the best part of the whole film, so I'll keep tight-lipped about the twist, suffice to say that it gives Steele the opportunity to let loose, the actress giving a wild-eyed (and what eyes they are!), memorably manic performance that steals the show. If the gradual pace tempts you to switch off before the end, try to be patient - the wait is definitely worth it.