The Dames kick off Spooky Movie Season with the 1975 giallo Deep Red (Profondo Rosso).
David Hemmings stars as Marcus Daly, a jazz pianist who has recently arrived in Turin after touring in the US and the UK. Walking home one night, he witnesses the murder of a psychic in an upstairs window. But when he rushes in to help, he accidentally puts himself in the path of a dangerous murderer. Soon, Marcus teams up with Gianna Brezzi (Daria Nicolodi), a journalist determined to help solve an increasingly bizarre series of murders.
The cast also includes Gabriele Lavia, Macha Méril, Eros Pagni, Giuliana Calandra, Pero Mazzinghi, Glauco Mauri, Aldo Bonamano, and Clara Calamai.
Released in Italy in 1975, one of Dario Argento’s most successful and enduring films made its way to the United States in June 1976. The English-dubbed cut removed more than 20 minutes of splattery violence, humor, and romantic scenes between Marcus and Gianna. But it was a success, nonetheless. It was re-released in the US in 1980 as The Hatchet Murders. Today, Deep Red frequently makes the rounds at repertory theaters and streamers. These days, the Italian language version is the most widely available.
Deep Red is currently streaming on the Criterion Channel, Hoopla, AMC+, Shudder, and Kanopy. Arrow Video also sells a 4K restoration, which is on sale this month.
