A fashion model is lured to Cairo by a mysterious cosmetics firm. Once she gets there she soon becomes aware that something is not right and it transpires that a weird cult is after her on account of the fact that they believe she is the reincarnation of their goddess, Isis.
Shadow of Illusion was directed by Mario Caiano, an Italian director responsible for several genre films, most notable of which is probably the breezy giallo Eye in the Labyrinth. The most notable aspect of that one was possibly its soundtrack, which was distinctive in that it was a jazz-fusion affair. In this one, the music is also a standout; with a mixture of dark jazzy musings, Euro lounge and North African themes. The main star is Daniela Giordano, a former Miss Italy, who was especially good in Mario Bava's Four Times That Night. In this one she sports flaming red hair and is the focus of the film. There was one especially well executed dream sequence and it did also seem that the exotic Egyptian location did offer something quite different which was used to good effect. I have to point out at this stage, however, that I saw this ultra-rare film on a truly battered copy, so some of its charms will definitely have eluded me and I consequently have had to take this into account. Overall, it seemed fairly middling though, although I am sure my opinion would improve if I could see it on a half-way decent print.
