Five Dolls For An August Moon (1970)

Five Dolls for an August Moon
is a 1970 Italian thriller. Directed by Italian director Mario Bava, the movie is about a group of people trying to get their hands on a new invention, a super fertilizer formula, as they gather on a private island.

The movie takes place in an isolated island mansion. Wealthy businessman George Stark invites a group of scientists to his island to evaluate the marketability of a special formula. The formula is a super-fertilizer that accelerates plant growth and can potentially bring great wealth. However, each in the group is in competition with each other for possession of the formula and patent rights.

The film has an atmosphere of intrigue, filled with mysterious deaths, betrayal, suspicions and jealousies. Visually impressive scenes and stylized cinematography by Mario Bava are the highlights of the film.

"Five Dolls for an August Moon" is cited as an example of the giallo (Italian thriller) genre. The film is known for its mysterious story and Bava's directing skills. The tension between the characters progresses as they try to discover the secrets hidden behind death and betrayal.

While the film received mixed reviews from some critics of the time, it gained a cult following among fans of Bava and fans of Italian thrillers. "Five Dolls for an August Moon" can be an interesting option for thrillers.

Five Dolls for an August Moon is a thriller about a group of people who come together on an isolated island and try to come up with a new super fertilizer formula. Businessman George Stark invites a group of scientists to his island to evaluate a special fertilizer with marketing potential for the formula. However, conflicts of interest and competition arise among group members.

At the beginning of the movie, a party is held and George Stark and his wife Edith invite their friend Professor Gerry Farrell and his wife Angela to the island. Professor Farrell, who is also a chemist, is working on a new super-fertilizer formula, and Stark wants to seize the patent for the formula. He believes the formula has great financial potential.

However, other guests on the island are also making their own plans to seize the formula. These include businessman Jack Davidson, fashion designer Trudy, Jack's mistress Isabelle, and a former movie star, Marie Chaney. As tensions and rivalries between people increase, so do feelings of distrust and suspicion.


The owner of the formula, Professor Farrell, is reluctant to share the formula, which creates tension among the other guests. A series of mysterious deaths occur, and each begins to suspect the other. As time passes, tension builds and it becomes clear that everyone is manipulating others for their own benefit.

The film proceeds in an atmosphere filled with a series of intrigues, betrayals and murders. Along with people's efforts to uncover their true intentions and the secrets they are hiding, we witness turns and surprises that astound the audience.

"Five Dolls for an August Moon" is known for its characteristic atmospheric cinematography and thriller elements by Mario Bava. The film offers viewers a suspenseful experience as the characters journey to discover conflicts, intrigues and secrets.

  • The film was directed by Italian director Mario Bava. Bava is a director who has made many important films in the horror and thriller genre.
  • "Five Dolls for an August Moon" is Bava's contribution to the giallo genre. Giallo is a subgenre of Italian thriller cinema and often contains elements of crime, suspense and mystery.
  • The shooting of the film took place in Sicily, Italy. Shooting on a real island was chosen to create the isolated atmosphere of the island in the movie.
  • The movie was shot on a limited budget and therefore there are limitations in production design and visual effects. Nevertheless, Bava's creative directorial skills achieved an atmospheric and impressive image.
  • "Five Dolls for an August Moon" is less well known compared to Bava's other films. The film received mixed reviews at the time and was not commercially successful.
  • The film was inspired by the then popular Agatha Christie novel "And Then There Were None". Both are about a group of people meeting on an isolated island and killing each other.
  • "Five Dolls for an August Moon" is an example of Mario Bava's work in the giallo genre. Bava made a huge impact on Italian cinema with his films in this genre and inspired the next generation of horror and thriller directors.
  • The film draws attention with its stylized cinematography and atmospheric scenes reflecting Bava's signature style. It also offers a visually impressive experience with the use of color and camera angles.

These interesting facts help you learn more about the movie "Five Dolls for an August Moon". It can provide an overview and provide a background for those who want to explore the movie.

Director : Mario Bava
Writers : Mario di Nardo, Mario Bava, Agatha Christie
Director of Photography : Antonio Rinaldi, Mario Bava
Music : Piero Umiliani
Production : 1970 - Italy - 82 m.
Genre : Horror / Mystery / Thriller

CAST :
William Berger
Ira von Fürstenberg
Edwige Fenech
Howard Ross
Helena Ronee
Teodoro Corrà

Previous Post Next Post