Sweets from a Stranger

This Giallo by Argento collaborator Franco Ferrini (he co-wrote the screenplay for "Non ho sonno" for example) tells a story typical for the genre: A hooded killer slays prostitutes with a razor. But the film is still quite unique: It puts the prostitutes in the center of the story. The women huddle together and decide to investigate on their own because they don't trust the police. The identity of the killer is quite a surprise and one of the film's highlights.

Problem is that "Caramelle da uno sconosciuto" is overtly talky and sometimes almost becomes rather a social drama than a straightforward thriller with social issues. There are also some humorous moments, which are quite funny, but don't really fit into the film. The soundtrack has its moments, though, and there are a bunch of really stylish scenes in good old Giallo tradition.

To wrap it up, one could say that with a tighter script and more concentration on the thriller plot, this Giallo could have been a sleeper of its genre. But as it is, it's just a mediocre picture. Rating: 5 out of 10.