Hatchet For The Honeymoon (1970)

Hatchet for the Honeymoon
is a 1970 horror-thriller film directed by Italian director Mario Bava. The movie is classified as a giallo movie with many horror genre elements.

It tells the story of a strange character named Giovanni Alberti (Stephen Forsyth), a fashion designer and wedding planner. Giovanni appears to be a successful businessman, but in reality he is a serial killer.

Giovanni has an obsession: killing young brides. As the owner of his own wedding organization company, he plans to murder young brides on their wedding day, and then adds their wedding dress to his collection. For him, these murders remind of a trauma in his past. In his childhood, Giovanni witnessed an incident in which his mother killed his father with a knife. This event created an obsession and obsession in him.

The film tells the story of Giovanni's ability to remain an invisible killer while committing his murders. After committing his murders, Giovanni relives them in his own mind and plays a game with Commissioner Rusconi (Laura Betti), who questions him as a lawyer. In the process, Giovanni's mood gradually deteriorates and he begins to oscillate between reality and fiction.

Giovanni meets and becomes attracted to a new bride, Helen Wood (Dagmar Lassander). But will Helen be able to see Giovanni's true face? Will anyone be able to stop Giovanni's murders? The audience searches for answers to these questions throughout the movie.

"Hatchet for the Honeymoon" is a giallo film with a mysterious and dark atmosphere. While exploring the inner world of Giovanni Alberti, it offers the viewer an experience full of psychological tension. The film draws attention with Mario Bava's directorial skills and stylized visuals.

The film carries the typical features of the giallo genre. The genre has become popular in Italian cinema since the late 1960s and is often characterized by a series of murders, a mysterious killer, surprise endings, and visually stunning scenes. "Hatchet for the Honeymoon" also has these features.


Mario Bava's directorial talent is evident in the movie. The color palette, atmospheric shots and stylized scenes make the film visually stunning. It can also be said that the film successfully combines the elements of horror and tension and creates a mysterious atmosphere for the audience.

"Hatchet for the Honeymoon" is considered an original and extraordinary example of horror cinema. Combined with the directorial talent of Mario Bava, the film is an intriguing option for those interested in the giallo genre.

  • "Hatchet for the Honeymoon" is the first color giallo film by famous Italian director Mario Bava. Bava increased the visual impact of the film by switching to color cinema.
  • The film is known as a production where Mario Bava demonstrates his ability to create his own special effects. The creative transition effects used especially when switching between scenes are remarkable.
  • Actor Stephen Forsyth plays the character of Giovanni Alberti. Forsyth caught Bava's attention with her performance in this movie and had the opportunity to make a few more movies with her.
  • The film draws attention with more stylized murder scenes instead of the violent scenes that are often used in classic horror movies. Bava creates an atmospheric tension through the use of colors and light.
  • "Hatchet for the Honeymoon," was mostly shot in Italy, particularly around Rome and Milan. The film takes place in places that reflect the fashion and style of the period.
  • Mario Bava has won the admiration of many movie critics and horror movie fans by successfully combining the horror elements in the movie. Bava is considered one of the leading directors of the giallo genre.
  • "Hatchet for the Honeymoon" is one of Bava's fast-paced films, which had most of its shooting done within a year. Bava is a director who specializes in working with low budgets.
  • The film is considered one of the most important examples of the giallo genre and has inspired other films in this genre in the years to come. It is a production that reflects Mario Bava's cinematic talent and his influence in horror cinema.
Director : Mario Bava
Writers : Santiago Moncada, Mario Bava, Laura Betti
Director of Photography : Antonio Rinaldi, Mario Bava
Music : Sante Maria Romitelli
Production : 1970 - Italy - 88 m.
Genre : Crime / Horror / Mystery / Thriller

CAST :
Stephen Forsyth
Dagmar Lassander
Laura Betti
Jesús Puente
Femi Benussi
Antonia Mas

Previous Post Next Post