Enigma rosso

Marginally better than average giallo centres on an exclusive girl's school where the studies include mass orgies, gory retributions and murder. Detective (Testi) is called to investigate the brutal murder of a student and begins to suspect there's more going on at the school than just maths & science. A familiar trail is uncovered, highlighting several likely suspects (ubiquitous Euro horror ex-pat American, Jack Taylor primarily) who may or may not be the actual killer. There's also a neat little twist in the film's double-headed climax, although arguably, it could've been more effectively resolved.

Testi is a likable leading man, his portly sidekick Bruno Alessandro also effective as they use unconventional methods in an attempt to solve the politically sensitive case. Jack Taylor is typically sinister as a sleazy fashion guru (the roller-coaster scene memorable), and Ivan Desny prominent as the police chief. Unusually, the dubbing isn't bad and doesn't detract so much from the film like others of the ilk. There's a fair quota of skin on display here, and the occasional ghastly corpse will heighten the senses.

Director Negrin displays a solid appreciation for the sub-genre and while it's probably not strictly giallo for the puritanical fan, it serves the purpose well and maintains the mystery and suspense through to the dual climax.