Isn't this the dream-start we all hope to find in an action/revenge thriller? After barely 10 minutes of running time, we already witnessed one brutal mafia execution and three bloody retaliation murders! Two things can happen then. Either you're in for a genuine gem with non-stop excitement throughout the entire play time, or ... the whole thing becomes a boring mess after the great opening. Luckily, "Summertime Killer" belongs in the first category, as it's a terrific and explosive Italian exploitation gem with a great cast, wonderful filming locations and a continuously good pacing. The story is extremely simple, but hey, those are usually the best and most effective! At very young age, Ray Castore witnesses how is father is sadistically slain by four thugs. A good decade later, Ray grew up to be hunky blond lad with a motorcycle and a loyal dog, but still the only thing on his mind is to avenge his father's dead. When his fourth and final murder attempt fails, despite careful planning, he kidnaps the former mobster's beautiful 19-year-old daughter and locks her up in a houseboat.
"Summertime Killer" guarantees great entertainment. Sure, the middle section is somewhat predictable, since you know the girl is bound to get a case of the Stockholm Syndrome, but these sequences are made more bearable because the girl in question is Olivia Hussey and she just happens to be one of the most beautiful and sensual women in the world. Speaking of pretty people, Christopher Mitchum is very good as the avenging angel. This was definitely the best role in the career of Robert's less talented son; - although perhaps on par with the bonkers "Mean Machine". The stellar cast also features Karl Malden (as the tough copper on Joe's tail) and Raf Vallone as the merciless mobster turned wine farmer. The many motorcycle stunts form the highlights of the film, together with the shots of Olivia Hussey in bikini, of course.
