Grade: C
Synopsis: A series of child killings terrorize a small Italian village.
Don’t Torture a Ducking (or Non si sevizia un paperino) is a well-made thriller. While it contains its fair share of violence and gore, it’s not really a horror film, but rather a solid, beautifully shot, whodunit.
The script, by Gianfranco Clerici and director Lucio Fulci, while no doubt shocking for its time, is much less so now. In fact, the script ages rather well. Its only weakness is in its insistence on opting for shock over suspense, thus weakening what could have been a truly disturbing film.
Bottom Line: Definitely recommended for fans of the genre, others may be put off by the violence.
One Response on “Don’t Torture a Duckling (1972)”:
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Jessi said:
B-
I thought this movie was among the better “what movie did Frank pull out of nowhere this week” pile. It leaves you guessing up until the very end.
I’ll agree the gore is a little over the top. I didn’t mind it, I was both awe inspired and grossed out. Props to the person who pulled together all the gore and effects, I had to peek through my fingers a couple times. Especially at the end. Wow. If you’re uneasy around gore you may want to skip this one for sure.
