Hardcore giallo fans will dig this slow burner more than anyone else. Present are genre staples such as a black-gloved killer, insanely gorgeous women, and a twisty murder mystery at its core; however, it's light on blood, dialogue-heavy, and set mostly in a mansion. Don't let that scare you away, though. The cast is solid, characters are interesting, the mystery engaging, and the mansion adds a menacing gothic atmosphere to it all.
One year after the death of his first wife, Oliver Bartrom returns to his family property to start a life with his new wife Ruth. Problem is, they aren't alone. Along with the maid and shady groundskeeper, Oliver's hostile sister and horny jealous stepmother live there too, and both are embittered over the sketchy circumstances of the first wife's death. Needless to say, Ruth isn't exactly feeling the Bartrom family love; the stepmother is obsessed with Oliver, forever trying to seduce him - and his reclusive sister hates everyone for reasons I won't spoil for you. Almost immediately, bizarre things start happening to Ruth, and a menace in black gloves stalks the grounds trying to take everyone out. In fear for her life and love, Ruth tries to uncover the sinister truth behind what really happened to Oliver's first wife.
In early 2017, American eurocult label Dorado Films released Night of the Scorpion on blu-ray via 2K scan of a 35mm print. Due to their small operation and relative obscurity of their titles, Dorado doesn't drop dollars on digital cleaning or color correction, presenting films "as is" with specs, scratches and glorious grain. I kinda like this decision as it adds a gritty filmic charm to the viewing experience.
Collectors and connoisseurs of giallo cinema should track down this one down.
