Finally, a so-called "giallo" that's working vs. the formula. Corinne Cléry makes it quite clear when the Commissario (Michele Placido) asks her for a dance: "Recite an Apollinaire poem for me." De facto, the shadow of the famous French proto-surrealist is lurking everywhere in Paolo Cavara's tongue-in-cheek, poptastic homage to Heinrich Hoffmann's gruesome cautionary tales, published as "Struwwelpeter" in 1845. At first sight the usual psycho killer rubbish, E Tanta Paura is brimming with bizarre surprises, as in the orgy flashback sequence in the Fauna Lovers Group Sex Club (including a porn cartoon by Italian animatore Gibba) or the acidly humorous slaughterhouse scene, and you won't get much better dialogue for your money ("She cheated on me with a white guy." "But you're white as well." "I'm Neapolitan, that's different"). The denouement might be a bit underwhelming, but Cavara's elegant direction, Franco di Giacomo's skillful cinematography, Daniele Patucchi's versatile soundtrack and the splendid cast – special jury prize for the sardonic John Steiner – add up to an intertextual fun(house) ride breaking it down light-handedly that "giallo" can be a whole lot more than those bland Argento bummers: in this case, a vitriolic grotesque bowing its serpent's head in reverence to the origins of the Grand Guignol.

'E Tanta Paura' provides a fairly good Italian crime plot, located in the mid-19-Seventies. Carrying all characteristics of its era, a slice of sleaze included.Nevertheless, to boost up sales, the cover of my DVD adds that Corinne Clery features in this film. And yes, here we have a name that those around at the time may remember: the naked female lead from 'Histoire d'O' (= French for 'the story of O'). It must be said that Clery contributes well to 'E Tanta Paura'; clothed (90%) as well as naked (10%).'E Tanta Paura' still reasonably entertains without being great. And shows a little dented by the passage of time.

this is not a typical giallo as it mixes elements of Agatha Christie type of who- done-it (Sherlock Holmes is referenced by a character), and cop thrillers with the regular giallo ingredients. the plot becomes a tad too convoluted by the end, and the final revelation is somewhat lacking in impact, but otherwise this is a fine little thriller that might even prompt multiple viewings. then there's that cast: Corrine Clery, beautiful as ever (especially sans clothes, though her jeans are eye-catching), and Eli Wallach in a pivotal role that he delves into admirably. the big question is, what the hell was Tom Skerritt doing in there? his part is negligible at best. Fans of animation should check out the brief clips of a pornographic, bondage-themed cartoon shown at a party. speaking of which, does anyone know the title of that cartoon film?

Few Italian police drama of the 70's reach to the level of intrigue as e tanta paura. A brilliant cast lead by Michele Placido - Cornine Clery also stars. Along with Tom Skerrit and Eli Wallach. Reminiscent of the French Connection. High production value and gritty realistic treatment. A group of wealthy men & women are being murdered one by one. No motives or clues can be found. Inspector Lomenzo (Placido) attempts to find a connection between the victims. A mysterious fashion model (Clery) becomes his informant and leads him to the connection he needs. She had been to a decadent weekend party at an estate where all the victims where gathered along with several other escorts brought for the weekend. The story of that fateful weekend is told through ingenious flashbacks. At this the druged out sex party one of the young girls was "accidently" killed during a gruesome practical joke. It seems that someone at this party is killing the others, but who and why? The film opens with two shocking murder scenes that rival any in an Argento flick. E Tanta Paura really succeeds because it has it all: Sex, Murder, Sleaze, Horror, Intrigue, Mafia and of course Corine Clery Nude. The set design and Production value are also brilliant - Far better than the average italian 70's police drama. The chase scenes & cinematography really remind me of the french connection. Michele Placido carries the film.