Born in 1933, Orazio Orlando emerged from Italy's vibrant film scene, leaving a distinct mark on cult cinema. He is best known for his roles in The Dolls (1965) and Evil Thoughts (1976), where he navigated the surreal and often unsettling narratives that define the genre. Orlando's performances in The Flower in His Mouth (1975) and The Fiend (1977) further showcased his ability to embody complex characters, making him a notable figure in the realm of exploitation and giallo films. His contributions continue to resonate with fans of the unconventional and the bizarre.
The Fiend
Dorreli is a low rank journalist, with a desk next to the toilet at Tribuna Sera newspaper. His correspondence contains a serial killer’s letters, which he exploits. Circulation jumps. It takes him a while to realise the identity of the killer. While all this is happening, Johnnie neglects his red head son. Intriguing Italian mix of comedy and giallo. We are closer to the Volonte thrillers than Dario Argento here. Top rank technicians on form, though Morricone has done more distinctive work. Formidable central performance and direction which manages to mix bad taste comedy, murder mystery and comment on contemporary press ethics, parenting and publicity.
