Still a really fun watch


Arguably Mario Bava's most notorious and influential film, and a massive influence on the slasher genre - especially Friday the 13th nine years later (to the point where F13's Sean Cunningham has been accused more than once of outright ripping-off ABOB, although Cunningham denies it). Interestingly, there are 13 kills in this film and the date of February 13th has significance (unfortunately Feb 13th 1971, the year this film was shot, was a Saturday - I checked!). Apparently it was done on an extremely tight schedule and low budget, but it looks great. Also, this film must be a candidate for 'most unexpected ending ever' 😂 (If you've seen it you'll know why I'm laughing!) 7/10

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The couple making love getting speared to death in Friday the 13th Part II (1981) has often been called a shameless copycat of a kill in this. I would have agreed and maybe still do but My Bloody Valentine (1981) has a couple get screwed/drilled (it happens off screen if I recall correctly)... perhaps great minds just think alike.

Also this movie has a great skinnydipping scene. That became a slasher-in-the-woods staple. Friday the 13th did it several times throughout the franchise and The Burning (1981) too.

My top 5 Mario Bava movies;
1) Blood and Black Lace (1964)
2) Black Sunday (1960)
3) A Bay of Blood (1971)
4) Black Sabbath (1963)
5) Lisa and the Devil (1973)

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'Also this movie has a great skinnydipping scene. That became a slasher-in-the-woods staple.'

That is very true!

Re Blood and Black Lace I watched that the other day for the first time in years. Personally I'd put ABOB above it, but I still enjoyed BABL.

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