Don't Torture A Duckling (1972)

Don't Torture a Duckling
(Non Si Sevizia un Paperino) is a 1972 giallo horror film directed by Italian director Lucio Fulci. The film focuses on a series of child murder cases, while addressing themes such as society's moral values, religious beliefs, and rural-urban conflicts.

The plot of the movie focuses on the mysterious murders of children in a town in the south of Italy. As a nun is blamed for the children's murders, suspicions and paranoia grow among a number of townspeople. A journalist and a private detective team up to uncover the truth and try to uncover the town's dark secrets.

The film carries typical elements of the giallo genre. It draws attention with its murder scenes, tension-filled atmosphere and surprise-filled finale. At the same time, it takes a critical approach to the rigid rules of society, the role of religion and the effects of modernization. These elements, combined with Fulci's directing style, make the film appealing to giallo lovers.

"Don't Torture a Duckling" is considered a major film in the giallo genre and marked a major turning point in Lucio Fulci's directorial career. It is recognized as an important production of Italian cinema in the field of horror and suspense and is recommended for moviegoers interested in the giallo genre.

The movie begins with the mysterious murder of the children living in the town. The first victim is a boy from the poor neighborhood of the town. After the murders, suspicions and paranoia increase in the town. People start targeting a nun they think is guilty. The nun is blamed for the deaths of the children and fears being lynched.

However, journalist Andrea Martelli (Marcel Bozzuffi) and private detective Francesco Barra (Tomas Milian) come to town to investigate the truth. The two work together to uncover the town's dark secrets. His suspicions center on the extraordinary lives of the townspeople, the corruption of local politicians, and secret affairs. They delve into an intricate web to find out who is behind the murders.

As Andrea and Francesco continue their investigations among the town's natives, more murders occur and they are constantly diverted to new clues to get to the truth. They race against time to find out who committed the murders, and they finally come across a shocking truth.


"Don't Torture a Duckling" is known as a gripping giallo horror movie. It tells a suspenseful story while addressing deep themes such as the guilt and innocence of people, the contradictions between rural and urban life, and the questioning of religious beliefs. Directed by Lucio Fulci, the film draws attention with its visually stunning scenes, complex characters and an unexpected finale.

  • "Don't Torture a Duckling" is one of the best known and most important works of the famous Italian director Lucio Fulci. Fulci is known for his films, especially in the horror and thriller genres.
  • The movie is one of the examples of the giallo genre. Giallo is a genre popular in Italian cinema that often combines detective elements, suspense and horror.
  • "Don't Torture a Duckling" caused controversy in the Italian society of the time. The film takes an approach that questions the moral values of the society while addressing the problems such as poverty, illiteracy and religious fanaticism in rural areas of Italy.
  • The shooting of the film took place in some picturesque towns in the south of Italy. These locations add to the atmosphere and story of the film.
  • "Don't Torture a Duckling" was criticized by the censorship authorities of the time and was banned in some countries. The scenes of violence and references to child murders in the film caused discomfort by some quarters.
  • The soundtrack of the film was composed by Italian composer Riz Ortolani. Ortolani is a musician known for various film scores and has composed impressive horror music for "Don't Torture a Duckling".
  • "Don't Torture a Duckling" is an important film that brings a new perspective to the giallo genre and is considered a turning point in horror cinema. It is also an important work in terms of displaying Fulci's directing skills and style.

These interesting facts highlight the importance and influence of the movie "Don't Torture a Duckling". It is a recommended production for those who are interested in the Giallo genre and want to explore Fulci's cinema.

Director : Lucio Fulci
Writers : Lucio Fulci, Roberto Gianviti, Gianfranco Clerici
Director of Photography : Sergio D'Offizi
Music : Riz Ortolani
Production : 1972 - Italy - 105 m.
Genre : Crime / Horror / Mystery / Thriller

CAST :
Florinda Bolkan
Barbara Bouchet
Tomas Milian
Irene Papas
Marc Porel
Georges Wilson

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