Phantom of Death

35-year old concert pianist Robert Dominici (Michael York) is stricken with a rare genetic disorder which rapidly ages him. His hair falls out, his teeth rot, he coughs up blood and starts suffering from uncontrollable "behavioral problems"--psychotic, murderous episodes. This spells a violent end for the ladies (past and present) in his life and even more unfortunate for his French fashion designer girlfriend Helene (Edwige Fenech) that she becomes pregnant with the child he doesn't want to be born. Donald Pleasence (who was probably sick to death with the typecasting) is the police inspector on the case and Mapi Galan is a knockout (even though she's taken out way too early).

Deodato is copying Argento and Bava here with flashy sets, costumes and backdrops, misty photography and some pretty gory murders, but his direction lacks suspense, the editing is choppy and the dubbing of many of the supporting players is poor. The score (by Pino Donaggio) and make-up are good, though, and the leads are solid.