Young Nora Dralston(Leticia Roman)takes a vacation to Rome,arriving, unfortunately,on the eve of her aunt Edith's passing.Rushing down a grand set of steps to summon a doctor,she's attacked by a purse-snatcher and knocked unconscious... but witnesses a second crime,the murder of a helpless young woman.In hospital,Nora is dismayed when everyone discounts her murder story-even her new acquaintance,a charming but rather clumsy young doctor,Marcello Bassi(John Saxon).But a strange man in a hat seems to be stalking her.And when she moves into a nearby flat adjacent to the ill-fated steps,she finds newspaper clippings about a string of killings called The Alphabet Murders.With potential murderers hovering all about,even the attentive Marcello begins to look suspicious."The Girl Who Knew Too Much" is a glorious Mario Bava's mystery with some giallo elements.The film is fast-paced and Bava's intensely dramatic lighting is used effectively.The overall tone of the film is light,even sometimes comedic.Bava's inimitable close-ups,favoring unusually wide,white eyes,are arresting just by themselves-there's a basic visual link from this film to "Blood and Black Lace",with its emphasis on glamorous,but often dead and glassy,eyes.Give this charming and unpredictable thriller a look.10 out of 10.
Review of The Evil Eye
