14. The Cat O' Nine Tails (1971)
Blind ex reporter Franco Arno overhears a blackmail plot whilst out walking with his niece. A biochemical institute is broken into and one of its assistants killed. Arno enlists the help of Carlo, a fellow reporter. They come up with nine clues - including a photo of the accident. The killer is intent on destroying all evidence to do with the case and that means people too. Can Carlo and Franco outwit him? A flop in America, The Cat O' Nine Tails was a success in Europe. Argento is less than pleased with this film, it is not like his usual Giallos - more of a traditional whodunnit. It is well plotted and highly suspenseful. Red herrings are scattered liberally all over the place. However, Argento at his 'worst' is still streets ahead of 99% of his contemporaries and Cat O' Nine Tails is a highly watchable Giallo.