Danger: Diabolik

Although Italian director Mario Bava is primarily known for his ‘Giallos’ and horror films in this country, in 1968 he directed the adaptation of the comic book series, created by Angela and Luciana Giussani. The result is the pop-kitsch crime caper DANGER: DIABOLIK, with John Phillip Law in the title role and Melisa Mell in the part of his lover/accomplice.

The screen concept for the film underwent numerous changes and producer Dino De Laurentiis, initially deeply unsatisfied with the initial concept, took over and commissioned a whopping four screenwriters, among them director Bava and British screenwriter and playwright Tudor Gates. Originally, it was Catherine Deneuve who was supposed to be cast as master thief Diabolik’s muse, lover and accomplice Eva Kant, but Deneuve didn’t hit it off with Bava. Furthermore, her acting reputation and credentials stood way above American John Phillip Law, and thus it was decided that the part of Eva Kant should go to Austrian genre actress and socialite Maria Mell who, despite given a rather banal dialogue to work with, perfectly embodied the look of the sexy, late 60’s pop culture fashion ‘doll’. By nowadays standards, her role would be deemed ‘arm candy with additional dialogue’ but these were the 1960’s and above all, it’s a comic book adaptation - so don’t expect any intellect here. Likewise, John Phillip Law, for the most part of the film in his typical disguise (various tight fitting latex body suits and his trademark mask) does most of his acting either in a physical way or with his eyes and eyebrows.

The action, as can be expected, kicks off in true Diabolik style when - in an unspecified European country, which could be France, or Italy, or somewhere close), Police Inspector Ginko (Michel Piccoli) reckons he has a fool-proof plan in preventing audacious thief Diabolik from stealing $10 million from a bank. Ginko has thought of the tiniest detail in fooling Diabolik by setting up a fake money transport (with the truck containing waste paper), while the actual money will be transported in a Rolls Royce and by police officers disguised as members of a wedding party. There’s only one problem: it’s next to impossible when it comes to outsmarting Diabolik, as Ginko and his men find out the hard way. Diabolik has already clocked Ginko’s ruse even before the vehicles set off and before they know it, smoke bombs temporarily blind them and when the vision becomes clear again, all they can do is look on helplessly as Diabolik, by means of some nifty plans, captures the entire Rolls Royce complete with the stash, before hooking up with Eva and hiding out in his state-of-the-art underground lair, where he and Eva enjoy a steamy session of love-making covered in the stolen dollar notes.

Not long after, Diabolik and Eva, in disguise, attend a press conference held by the Minister of Interiors (Terry-Thomas), who reinstates the death penalty in the hope of intimidating brazen thieves such Diabolik from carrying out their crimes. Fat chance! The press conference is also attended by Ginko and his men, apart from various other guests and journalists. Unfortunately for the Minister, the conference descends into chaos when Diabolik and Eva release laughing gas into the crowd though in all honesty, Terry-Thomas will make one laugh anyway, laughing gas or not. Fed up with Diabolik making a constant mockery of him and the police force, Inspector Ginko - in an unprecedented move - joins forces with notorious gangster Ralph Valmont (Adolfo Celi) in the hope of getting to Diabolik that way… Suffice to say, Ginko’s latest ‘brilliant’ idea doesn’t go to plan and it’s not before long when Diabolik strikes again - bigger and bolder than ever before!

Ok, the movie as a whole doesn’t go much further than skin-deep but it’s still terrific fun, with great sets, great action, great costumes (particularly for Marisa Mell), a soundtrack by Ennio Morricone and with John Phillip Law and Marisa Mell in top form. Michel Piccoli is in equally great form as the constantly frustrated Inspektor Ginko, who always finds Diabolik is one step ahead of him.

Eureka Entertainment has just released DANGER: DIABOLIK in Dual Format Edition ($K UHD and Blu-ray), presented in a Limited Edition hardbound slipcase (2,000 copies), with collector’s booklet. Bonus material includes various audio and subtitle options, audio commentaries, video essay, archival featurette, ‘Body Movin’ - a Diabolik homage music video by former US hip hop band Beastie Boys from 1998, and trailers.