Death Occurred Last Night

Death Occurred Last Night' is a gripping and well executed Giallo thriller with a sombre tone and an interesting central mystery that despite not offering the usual violent or sleaze that the genre usually offers, instead we get a more character driven story that focuses more on the investigation aspects and while this is not an entirely new take as there are plenty of early Giallo's that plays out like a cop show, this is definitely one of the better ones thanks to its stellar writing and efficient pacing.

The plot = A widower Amanzio Berzaghi (Raf Vallone) mentally challenged daughter Donatella (Gillian Bray) is kidnapped and forced into prostitution, the father then asks the police Captain Lamberti (Frank Wolff) for help in solving the case.

The movie may not appeal to all fans of the genre due to its more depressing nature and lack of violent set pieces, but don't let that put you off as this is something unique and really good, thanks to its more straightforward approach and its superb direction by Duccio Tessari who crafts a compelling narrative that packs an emotional punch especially towards its thrilling climax, which ends everything with an almighty bang.

The cast here are excellent with Raf Vallone delivering and tragic and sympathetic character, while Frank Wolff delivers an excellent and compelling performance. Gabriele Tinti also delivers a standout and interesting performance in her role. In fact, all of the cast are solid in their roles.

Overall 'Death Occurred Last Night' is a thoughtful, powerful and a somewhat unexpected gem of the genre that comes highly recommended.

'Death Occurred Last Night is a Poliziotteschi/Giallo hybrid that held my attention very well, it has emotion and heart that you don't always get from the genres thanks to very good and compassionate performances from Frank Wolff as 'Commissario Duca Lamberti' and his sidekick Gabriele Tinti who plays 'Mascaranti' It isn't as exploitative either which is another departure from the norm and treats its subject with a lot of respect and leads to a sad finale.

The film falters only slightly in a couple of areas. Firstly the soundtrack, whilst good, does feel out of place a times and the ending is a tad underwhelming especially, as others have mentioned, the washing machine/tumble dryer scene. I did watch a dubbed version, unfortunately, and the only other minus with this is that the actor who dubbed Raf Vallone who plays 'Amanzio Berzaghi' is somewhat over the top, which does mar what I think was probably a good performance by the actor.

Overall, a very good film and I would definitely be interested in watching an Italian version with subtitles. I have to hand it to Tubi, there might be a lot of slop you have to wade through, but they do have some very good stuff if you're willing to hunt for it.

Widower (Vallone) searches for his missing daughter with the aid of committed inspector (Wolff) leading to a complex web of exploitation and deceit.

Probably more a polizioteschi than strictly giallo fare, the pacing sometimes suffers and the plot twists more than it needs to, but despite some issues with momentum, the overall result is still satisfying.

Aside from the two leads who are both excellent, German leading lady Eva Renzi lends support as Wolff's highly invested wife, Beryl Cunningham has a sizeable supporting role as a reluctant informer of sorts, whilst Gabriele Tinti shows his disdain for criminals as Wolff's highly-strung detective partner.

It's a rather bleak tale which Director Tessari handles with care and compassion, another interesting contrast to the usual giallo in which victims are typically discarded with a casual contempt. Better than average, but don't expect razor blades, black gloves and blood-splatter - this is a complex mystery which takes its time to strike.

Inappropriate title in the German dubbing, great film: Raf VALLONE in an exciting mix of giallo thriller and crime film

A widower (great: Raf Vallone) from Milan lovingly looks after his already grown but mentally retarded daughter (Gill Bray). One day she disappears from their shared apartment without a trace. An inspector (Frank Wolff) investigates, but encounters resistance. Is it possible that a prostitution ring is behind this? The desperate father no longer knows what to do...

Duccio Tessari ("Uomo senza memoria" with the chainsaw-wielding Senta Berger) has presented an impressive film that was co-produced by Artur Brauner and his CCC FILMKUNST. Unfortunately the German title is very inappropriate, there is not much fog in Milan. The alternative title "Murders only happen on Saturdays" is at least a little better. The Italian original could be translated as "Death occurred last night". Eva Renzi (as the inspector's wife) and Beryl Cunningham can be seen in other roles. The event of the film, however, is Raf Vallone, who impresses with his sensitive acting and sheer physical strength. The end of the film still offers a few surprises. In the Italian box office it grossed a decent 568 million ITL.

A gem worth seeing from the almost inexhaustible reservoir of Italian crime films of the 1970s!

In Lombardia, the widower Amanzio Berzaghi (Raf Vallone) goes to the police station and reports to Police Captain Duca Lamberti (Frank Wolff) and his assistant Mascaranti (Gabriele Tinti) that his daughter Donatella Berzaghi (Gill Bray) was kidnapped for sex trafficking. Then he explains that she is twenty-five-year-old, but intellectually disabled with mentality of a three-year-old child and nymphomaniac. Lambert and Mascaranti meet the former pimp Salvatore (Gigi Rizzi) to get information about the brothels in Milan and go deep in the underworld of sex to discover where Donatella is. Meanwhile her father continues his personal investigation about the fate of his daughter.

"La morte risale a ieri sera", a.k.a. "Death Occurred Last Night" is a good thriller made in Italy. The plot has flaws, as usual, but the story is consistent and "Hardcore" (1979) has a similar storyline. Raf Vallone has great performance and this unknown film is worthwhile watching. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Os Assassinos Só Matam aos Sábados" ("The Killers only Kill on Saturdays")