Crime Cult Classic

A fashion model's psychedelic vision leads her into the deadly sights of a mystery killer.

DEATH WALKS AT MIDNIGHT

The Steel Claw of Death...

1972 · 01:42:00 · NR · Crime / Horror / Mystery / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

In the midst of a drug-fueled photo-shoot, a model witnesses a brutal murder in the apartment opposite hers. But when the authorities refuse to believe her, she is forced to assume the role of amateur sleuth to unravel the mystery.

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Quick Answer

What is Death Walks at Midnight about?

Death Walks at Midnight is a 1972 Italian-Spanish crime, horror, mystery, and thriller film directed by Luciano Ercoli about a fashion model who, after experiencing a brutal murder while under the influence of LSD, finds herself stalked by the killer and disbelieved by everyone around her.

Key Facts

Director: Luciano Ercoli
Writers: Sergio Corbucci, Ernesto Gastaldi, Mahnahén Velasco
Release: 1972
Runtime: 1h 42m
Country: Italy, Spain
Language: Italian
Genres: Crime, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Also Known As: Cry Out in Terror, La morte accarezza a mezzanotte (Original title)

The SassyFlix Take

Psychedelic paranoia, a spiked gauntlet, and Milan’s fashion underbelly—Death Walks at Midnight is giallo with a hallucinogenic twist. Nieves Navarro’s Valentina isn’t just another damsel; she’s a model who won’t take a gaslighting boyfriend, a sneering inspector, or a mystery killer lying down. If you like your Euro-thrillers with equal parts glamour and grit, this one walks the walk.

From the Vault

Pro tip: if your boyfriend wants you to try LSD for journalism, maybe ask more questions.

Why Cult

Giallo Psychedelia

Luciano Ercoli mixes the lurid style of Italian giallo with mind-bending hallucinogenic sequences and mod fashion.

Fashion Model Protagonist

Valentina, a model caught between LSD-induced visions and real danger, brings style and vulnerability to the center of the mystery.

Spiked Gauntlet Murder

The killer’s weapon of choice—a spiked gauntlet—delivers bloody violence and memorable menace far from the standard fare.

Milan Location

Set against the backdrop of 1970s Milan, the film blends chic settings with sleazy danger.

About This Film

Fashion model Valentina agrees to help her journalist boyfriend Giò Baldi research the effects of LSD. While under the influence of the drug, Valentina sees a man bludgeon a woman to death with a spiked gauntlet. Baldi publishes a report of her hallucinations; however, Valentina believes what she has seen is real. She begins to realise that the killer is stalking her, although neither Baldi nor the police will believe what she tells them.

Film Details

Director Luciano Ercoli

Writers Sergio Corbucci, Ernesto Gastaldi, Mahnahén Velasco

Themes & Keywords

Murder Cult Film Grindhouse Film Psychopath Female Protagonist Chase Drugs Woman In Jeopardy Hallucination Italy Model Journalist J&b Scotch Bloody Violence Photo Shoot Lsd

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Death Walks at Midnight about? +

Death Walks at Midnight follows fashion model Valentina, who, after taking LSD for a journalist boyfriend's experiment, witnesses a murder that may not be a hallucination and becomes the target of a mysterious killer.

When was Death Walks at Midnight released? +

Death Walks at Midnight was released in 1972.

Who directed Death Walks at Midnight? +

Death Walks at Midnight was directed by Luciano Ercoli.

How long is Death Walks at Midnight? +

Death Walks at Midnight has a runtime of 102 minutes.

What genre is Death Walks at Midnight? +

Death Walks at Midnight is a crime, horror, mystery, and thriller film.

Where can I watch Death Walks at Midnight? +

Death Walks at Midnight is available to stream on SassyFlix.