Shadow of Illusion

Year: 1970

Duration: 01:28:40

Directed by: Mario Caiano

Actors: William Berger, Daniela Giordano, Krista Nell and Antonio Cantafora

Language: English (Japanese subs)

Country: Italy

Also known as: Ombre roventi

Description: Shadow of Illusion movie was filmed by director of Nightmare Castle film. Young woman Gail Bland sent to Cairo for talks with representatives of the company for the production of cosmetics. But on arrival Gail is surprised to find that no one meets her, as a company in Egypt does not exist. Soon she finds out that she was summoned to Cairo members of the religious sect of Satanists. And they’re going to bring a sacrifice Gail …

Review: A sensuous Italian model (Daniela Giodarno) is lured to Egypt by a strange cult whose members appear to be close relatives of Sly & The Family Stone. The star of the show, though, is the ravishing Giodarno whom the cult are foolishly intent on sacrificing. Barely has she arrived in Cairo than she’s out clubbing , giving it some on the dance floor aided by dodgy ‘cigarettes‘. All this is expertly conveyed by director Mario Caino and enhanced by the photography with its smooth close-ups. The interiors are shot at Rome’s Cinectta, which explains the quality of the art direction.

A dream sequence in which our heroine is seduced by a lesbian witch is particularly effective. The story is mad enough to retain interest when Giodarno isn’t taking her clothes off – the film’s raison d’etre. Her body can be seen to spectacular effect when she’s stripped naked and tied to the sacrificial alter, prior to her being offered to the gods. Films like this are never going to be re-mastered much less win prizes but the better ones, and this is pretty good, offer an unwitting insight into both the imagination and sexual mores of the times.

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Shadow of Illusion