BLACK SUNDAY/ LA MASCHERA DEL DEMONIO

Italy, 1960, 87 minutes, Black and white.
Barbara Steel, John Richardson, Andrea Checchi, Ivo Garrani.
Directed by Mario Bava.

Black Sunday was the first feature film of cinematographer, Mario Bava, who also worked on special cinematic effects. With this film, now considered a classic, influenced by Hammer Studios’ Dracula of 1958, Bava began a career with mixed success, some ‘gialli’ thrillers which influenced Dario Argento and others, some exploitation films, and some work with his son, Lamberto.

British actress Barbara Steele was introduced in this film and had some success in a career in horror films. British John Richardson, who had appeared with Raquel Welch in 1,000,000 Years BC, continued especially in Italian films.

The film takes up the vampire themes, working some variations, the Inquisition in the 17th century and an age of reason confronting vampires in the 19th century.

1. The classic status at this film? In Italian Cinema? In the horror genre? Its influence on other directors? The work of Mario Bava, cinematographer, artist, director?

2. The quality of the black and white photography, shading, contrasts? The visual compositions? The action within the frame? Special effects? The musical score?

3. The title, the focus on the mask of the Demon? The prologue, the witch, her condemnation, the denunciation, the Inquisition and its authorities, the witch and her servant? The burning at the stake? The mask and its imposition?

4. The narrative, the voice-over of the Doctor?

5. Two centuries later, the post Napoleonic era? The two doctors travelling to the conference? In the coach, the intellectual discussion, scientists? The short cut through the forest, the doctor giving the coachman extra money, his fears, ghosts, the wheel coming off the carriage, the repairs?

6. The two doctors exploring, going into the crypt, finding the witch, the mask? The eerie atmosphere? The doctor cutting his hand, the blood going onto the corpse of the witch, her gradually reviving?

7. The castle, the Prince, the portrait of his ancestor? His children, the daughter and her resemblance to the witch? Their way of life? The effect? The fears? The revival of the witch, of the servant, his approaching the Prince, the attack, the prince dying, revealing some of the truth?

8. Brother and sister, the servants, their concern, sending Boris for the doctor, his later death and disfigurement? The doctor arriving, his being taken over and possessed, his blood drained? The death of the Prince?

9. The maid, going to the dairy, her being a witness giving testimony?

10. The young doctor, his infatuation with the daughter, his return to the castle, the strange encounter with the doctor, his wanting to protect the daughter?

11. In the crypt, the brother and his being pursued, falling down the hole, his dying? The daughter, the witch taking over her body? The young doctor, his pursuit, the confrontation, the death of the servant?

12. The young doctor and the priest, the documents, finding the formulas, preparation for the burial, the priest and his concern, knowledge?

13. The end, the death of the daughter, the death of the witch, the daughter reviving – and happy ending?

14. Classic elements of a vampire film with Mario Bava’s perspective?