Review of Don't Torture a Duckling (1972) by Gretchen B — 26 Dec 2009

Choosing a Fulci film to watch is always a calculated risk, chances are it will be confusing, have major plot flaws and be dubbed poorly. Of course he's got a few real gems to his name as well, and when all else fails, you can usually at least count on lots of gore.

This film, surprisingly didn't have any of those traditional items I've come to expect. The plot was mysterious and intriguing, ripe with lore and superstition. Young boys are being killed in a small Italian town and nearly everyone is under suspicion.

The story flowed smoothly (albeit a bit slowly) and even the dubbing was good. There was also a significant lack of the usual over the top Fulci gore (although he did show good form in the final scene).

While I think it's a good film, I just couldn't get attached to it. I found myself almost bored while watching it...just idly waiting for it end so we could move on. Maybe I'm just so used to yukking it up with my husband over bad dubbing flaws and plot holes that a smooth, logical film just wasn't as much fun.

Or maybe I'm just disappointed that no one got a stake through the eye, either way...bring on the next film!