Until I vampiri (The Vampires) in 1956, Italian filmmakers generally eschewed horror in favor of fantasy films and big screen spectacles. In the 1960s, the subjects became as varied as the filmmakers, ranging from the comic strip flavor of The Wild, Wild Planet (1966) to the surrealistic mixture of horror and social commentary of Fellini’s “Toby Dammit” segment of Spirits of the Dead (1969).
Arranged by English title, each entry includes Italian title, studio, running time, year of release, work the film is based on (when appropriate), and cast and credits. These data are followed by a lengthy essay, blending a plot synopsis with critical commentary and behind-the-scenes information.

The late Lawrence McCallum wrote for Filmfax, Scary Monsters and The Scream Factory.

Lawrence McCallum
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 288
Bibliographic Info: photos, appendix, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2004 [1998]
pISBN: 978-0-7864-1968-5
eISBN: 978-1-4766-0507-4
Imprint: McFarland

“intriguing…terrifically, well-thought out analysis…critical comments are very enjoyable…a good addition to your library”—Classic Images; “encompasses the entire spectrum of Italian horror productions of the 1960s”—ARBA; “entertaining, scholarly”—Brutarian Quarterly; “Italian horror films were notable for casting some of Europe’s most beautiful and sensuous women…McCallum really won my heart”—Monsters from the Vault; “detailed credits and critiques…thorough study”—Interzone; “McCallum demonstrates an enviable knowledge of Italian cinema”—Scarlet Street; “recommended…a fun evening’s read”—Little Shoppe of Horrors; “fabulous”—bare•bones; “McCallum has given us a map to this neglected segment of horror history…a good primer for those who are new to the genre…writing is solid and often entertaining”—CultureDose.com; “useful”—Reference & Research Book News.