The Crimes of the Black Cat takes place in the world of fashion. A killer is bumping off models in a very original way – he gifts them a shawl doused in catnip that attracts a cat placed at the scene of the crime, whose claws have been poisoned with the noxious substance curare. It’s the cat that kills them. The blind boyfriend of the first victim tries to find the killer (and the cat).

The Crimes of the Black Cat is a classy giallo. It’s excellently directed, has a beautiful look to it (made in 1972, so the interiors and clothing choices/hairstyles are all like, groovy, man!) and holds your attention from start to finish.

The kills are fantastically executed, also. I love how we get multiple rapid, extreme close-ups when a victim’s corpse is discovered. Prepare yourself for the final murder in the shower. It’s very graphic.

The film also acts as a travelogue and reminds me of episodes of Whicker’s World from the same time period or Peter Styvesant adverts. I love that 70’s jetset glamour and sophistication.

The Crimes of the Black Cat was shown in the UK as a double bill with a film called, I kid you not, The Horrible Sexy Vampire (!) What’s more, it’s on YouTube!

3.5 out of 5 stars