Mill of the Stone Women (Il mulino delle donne di pietra)
Directed by Giorgio Ferroni
Written by Giorgio Ferroni et al (uncredited)
1960/Italy/France
C.E.C. Films etc.
First viewing/Amazon Instant
“I have seen the dark universe yawning/ Where the black planets roll without aim,/ Where they roll in their horror unheeded,/ Without knowledge, or lustre, or name.” ― H.P. Lovecraft, “Nemesis”
Fellas, it is always a good idea to find out whether or not a woman is actually alive before bedding her.
Hans von Amim is researching an article about a carousel in an old windmill on the occasion of its centenary. This is no ordinary carousel. It features gruesome statues of murder victims. Prof. Gregorias Wohl, decendent of the carousel’s founder puts Hans on a tight schedule. He wants him out of there within a week. Early on, Hans becomes acquainted with Wohl’s beautiful daughter Elfie and her personal physician Dr. Bohlem. Elfie has some kind of mysterious ailment that keeps her trapped in the windmill.
In the evenings, Hans sees his childhood sweetheart Liselotte. Unfortunately for Hans, Elfie falls in love at first sight and beckons him to her bedchamber. One night of passion with Elfie convinces Hans that he has true love with Liselotte. Unfortunately for Liselotte, it turns out that she has the same rare bloodtype as Elfie.
This comes early in the cycle of Italian Gothic horror films that would proliferate in the 60’s and 70’s. Its atmosphere and beautiful women should appeal to fans of the genre. I won’t be sure I’m one of them until I have more under my belt. The version I watched was dubbed.
American Trailer
