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Drama Cult Classic

A psychic woman’s yearning for motherhood unleashes a supernatural force with fatal consequences.

A BLACK RIBBON FOR DEBORAH

1974 · 1h 50m · NR · Drama / Horror / Mystery · IMDB TMDB

A young woman with psychic powers is obsessed with having a child. Even though she is unable to conceive, her desire to do so creates a supernatural force determined to fulfill her wishes

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Quick Answer

What is A Black Ribbon for Deborah about?

A Black Ribbon for Deborah is a 1974 Italian drama, horror, and mystery film directed by Marcello Andrei about a young woman with psychic powers whose desire for a child awakens a supernatural force.

Programmer's Pick

If you like your giallo with a psychic twist and a side of psychological ambiguity, Deborah’s journey is a moody, supernatural slow-burn. Come for the psychic visions, stay for the genre-blurring blend of drama, horror, and mystery.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Deborah, a young woman gifted with psychic abilities, finds her life upended by her intense longing to have a child. Her announcement of pregnancy is met with disbelief from her husband and skepticism from medical professionals, who insist she is experiencing a hysterical pregnancy. Yet, Deborah’s powers suggest a deeper, more mysterious reality at play. As her obsession intensifies, a supernatural force emerges, determined to make her wish a reality—regardless of the cost. Set against a giallo-esque backdrop, the film explores the unsettling intersection of the supernatural and the psychological, leaving the audience to question what is real and what is the product of Deborah’s extraordinary mind.

Details & Specs

Director
Marcello Andrei
Writers
Marcello Andrei, Giuseppe Pulieri, Piero Regnoli
Release
1974
Runtime
1h 50m
Country
Italy
Language
English, Italian
Genres
Drama, Horror, Mystery
Also Known As
Psycho Maniacs, Deborah, The Torment, A Black Ribbon for Deborah, Black Ribbon, Original title: Un fiocco nero per Deborah

Cast & Crew

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Director: Marcello Andrei Writers: Marcello Andrei +2 more
Bradford Dillman Bradford Dillman Michel Lagrange Marina Malfatti Marina Malfatti Deborah Lagrange Gig Young Gig Young Ofenbauer Delia Boccardo Delia Boccardo Mira Wener Micaela Esdra Micaela Esdra Elena Lucretia Love Lucretia Love Mrs. Ofenbauer Adriano Amidei Migliano Adriano Amidei Migliano Albert Wener Luigi Casellato Luigi Casellato Psychiatrist VM Vittorio Mangano MG Mario Garriba Luigi Antonio Guerra Luigi Antonio Guerra Raffaele Di Mario Raffaele Di Mario MD Matilde Dell'Acqua RL Rita Lo Verde GC Giuseppe Castelli Alba Maiolini Alba Maiolini Friend of Ofenbauer Giuseppe Marrocco Giuseppe Marrocco Party Guest MJ Milla Johansson Party guest (uncredited)

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Why Cult

Psychic Motherhood

Deborah’s psychic abilities and her quest for a child introduce a unique blend of supernatural suspense and psychological tension.

Giallo-Esque Mystery

With its Italian roots and genre-spanning style, the film weaves giallo elements into a story of obsession and the unknown.

Supernatural Force

A mysterious entity is at work, blurring the lines between Deborah’s desires and terrifying reality.

Female-Driven Horror

A complex, psychologically rich female lead anchors this tale of longing, doubt, and the paranormal.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Deborah’s obsessive desire for a child

Threat

Supernatural force

Effect

Alters reality to fulfill Deborah’s wish, with fatal consequences

Setting

Domestic and psychological spaces

Questions from the Vault

When was A Black Ribbon for Deborah released? +

A Black Ribbon for Deborah was released in 1974.

Who directed A Black Ribbon for Deborah? +

A Black Ribbon for Deborah was directed by Marcello Andrei.

How long is A Black Ribbon for Deborah? +

A Black Ribbon for Deborah has a runtime of 110 minutes.

What genre is A Black Ribbon for Deborah? +

A Black Ribbon for Deborah is a drama, horror, and mystery film.

How does Deborah’s desire for a child awaken a supernatural force? +

Deborah’s intense obsession with becoming a mother, despite being unable to conceive, creates a supernatural force determined to fulfill her wishes.

Trailers & Clips

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