Drama Cult Classic

In a remote Italian home, criminal desire collides with twisted family secrets.

COCK CROWS AT ELEVEN

1978 · 1h 49m · NR · Drama / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

Federico, a criminal on the run, forms an inappropriate relationship with 12-year-old Simona. Her mother Vera conspires with Federico to murder Simona's disabled father, straining Federico's bond with Simona.

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Quick Answer

What is Cock Crows at Eleven about?

Cock Crows at Eleven is a 1978 Italian drama thriller directed by Massimo Pirri about a fugitive child-killer who is sheltered by a preteen girl, only to become entangled in a web of illicit relationships and murder plots within her dysfunctional family.

Programmer's Pick

This is exploitation cinema that doesn’t blink: child sexuality, murderous intentions, and family dysfunction all simmer under the giallo sun. Cock Crows at Eleven is not shy about transgression—if your palate runs to taboo, this is a rare bird worth catching. Lisa Gastoni, as the spiraling matriarch, delivers the kind of performance that makes you wonder who’s more dangerous: the criminal or the family.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Cock Crows at Eleven thrusts viewers into a tense and forbidden drama set in rural Italy. Federico, a fugitive and child-killer, is wounded and on the run when he finds unexpected refuge with Simona, an 11-year-old girl. Their unsettling relationship soon draws the attention of Simona’s mother, Vera, whose own sexual dissatisfaction and instability propel her into a dangerous alliance with Federico. Together, Vera and Federico plot to murder Vera’s reclusive, wheelchair-bound husband, further destabilizing the already fractured household. Simona’s attachment to Federico and her reaction to her mother’s new involvement set the stage for volatile confrontations. The film explores taboo desires, fractured family bonds, and the perilous consequences of adult dysfunction through a distinctly Italian lens.

Details & Specs

Director: Massimo Pirri
Writers: Massimo Pirri, Federico Tofi, Morando Morandini Jr.
Release: 1978
Runtime: 1h 49m
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
Genres: Drama, Thriller
Also Known As: Cock Crows at 11, Massimo Pirri's Cock Crows at Eleven, La venganza de Baby Simona, Dipli apistia, Immorality, Cock Crows at Eleven, Original title: L'immoralità

Cast & Crew

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Director: Massimo Pirri Writers: Massimo Pirri +2 more

Lisa Gastoni Vera

Howard Ross Federico KT Karin Trentephol Simona

Mel Ferrer Vera's husband

Andrea Franchetti Lieutenant

Wolfango Soldati Antonio

Explore More

Exploitation Giallo Female Nudity Female Rear Nudity Female Topless Nudity Female Full Frontal Nudity Female Frontal Nudity Male Frontal Nudity Suicide Killer Mother Daughter Relationship Male Full Frontal Nudity Cheating Wife Female Full Rear Nudity Dysfunctional Marriage Coming Of Age Cuckolded Husband Older Man Younger Woman Relationship

Why Cult

Taboo Obsessions

The film delves into forbidden relationships and unsettling desires, pushing boundaries rarely seen even in exploitation cinema.

Sleazy Giallo Atmosphere

With its blend of eroticism and suspense, this film sits squarely in the sleazy, stylized tradition of Italian giallo.

Twisted Family Dynamics

A dysfunctional marriage, a sexually dissatisfied wife, and a murderous plot make for a family drama that’s anything but ordinary.

Provocative Performances

Lisa Gastoni and Karin Trentephol navigate transgressive territory with fearless commitment.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Federico, a fugitive child-killer, is sheltered by Simona

Threat

Murderous criminal and illicit relationships

Effect

Destabilizes the family and incites a murder plot

Setting

Secluded Italian home

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Cock Crows at Eleven? +

Cock Crows at Eleven was directed by Massimo Pirri.

How long is Cock Crows at Eleven? +

Cock Crows at Eleven has a runtime of 109 minutes.

What genre is Cock Crows at Eleven? +

Cock Crows at Eleven is a drama and thriller.

Where can I watch Cock Crows at Eleven? +

Cock Crows at Eleven is available to stream on SassyFlix.

How does Simona react to her mother and Federico's plan to murder her father? +

Simona does not take kindly to the new relationship between her mother and Federico, and her reaction intensifies the household’s volatility as the murder plot unfolds.