The plot of Dario Argento’s second film involves a blind crossword writer (!) teaming up with a reporter to investigate a series of murders connected to a medical facility specialising in eugenics-based research.

After the audacious debut by Argento with the superb Bird With The Crystal Plumage the year before (this film will be reviewed soon), Cat O’Nine Tails is more of a brass tacks horror tinged thriller. While there are fewer of Argento’s signature flourishes, this is still a cracking film.

Karl Malden fronts a stellar cast, and I love that the lead character, who is on the trail of a killer, is blind. I also love the relationship he has with his niece.

The kills are excellent, and the set pieces are genuinely chilling. The scenes from the killer’s POV are especially unsettling and must have been quite a new device for an audience to experience at that time (the film was made in 1971).

Apparently, Argento wasn’t happy with the finished film and thinks it’s his weakest film. I beg to differ.

4 out of 5 stars