MARTA (1971) Marisa Mell + Stephen Boyd legendary Euro thriller
3190DVD
A
Stunning Italian Giallo with Marisa Mell and Stephen Boyd
director: Jose Antonio Nieves Conde
starring: Marisa Mell · Stephen Boyd · Jesus Puente ·
Isa Miranda · Neida Quiroga · Howard Ross
A wealthy
landowner haunted by the memory (perhaps, murder by his hand) of his
mother has a fling with Marta, a beautiful fugitive who bears a striking
resemblance to his missing (perhaps also dead) wife, Pilar. Marisa Mell
plays Marta, an unbalanced woman who is captured by wealthy Don Miguel
and imprisoned in his massive castle. As the story unfolds, it becomes
evident that Marta has come to the remote chateau in search of her sister
Pilar who had been married to Miguel. What she discovers will surprise
even the most jaded thriller fan.
Besides
director Conde's exquisite design and pacing, the film mostly benefits
from the performances of both leading actors. Stephen Boyd plays his
character with just the right amount of restrain, placid yet engaging
while revealing bits and pieces of his Norman Bates personality.
When genre fans talk about how great Marisa Mell could be, they are
undoubtedly referencing this performance. She holds her own against
Stephen Boyd while engaging in two complicated roles... that of both
Pilar and Marta. When this film was made, she and Stephen Boy were real-life
lovers which obviously allows their screen relationship to crackle with
authenticity.
Both
actors died at a young age. Mr Boyd passed from a massive heart attack
while playing golf in California at age 45, June 1977. As mentioned
previously, Marisa Mell was sexually committed to Stephen for awhile
in the early seventies. Later she was romantically linked to Alain Delon,
Warren Beatty, Robert Evans, Roman Polanski, Jess Franco and the Shah
of Iran. Throughout much of her life Marisa was also dangerously addicted
to cocaine, often resulting in legal problems. Miss Mell died from throat
cancer at the age of 53 in May 1992.
An Italian film
in English language; widescreen format (16:9), uncut (94 minutes), DVD
encoded for ALL REGION NTSC WORLD FORMAT. Extras include theatrical
trailers.
Adult Material/Strong
Sexual Themes/Nudity:
Recommended for Mature Audiences
