Giallo Filmography

This filmography is a work-in-progress attempt to identify the development of the giallo in Italian cinema – from the start of the sound era in 1931 to present day – utilising the Italian definition of a “giallo” which simply means a mystery or thriller.

I must stress that not every film chosen can be considered a giallo in the purest sense – some titles are here simply because they contain elements which are of critical or historical interest.

The very first giallo (or proto-giallo), as reported by a film critic of the time, is Guido Brignone’s Corte D’Assise, released in 1931.

This is a translation of a review for ‘The Missing Treaty/Il Tratto Scomparso‘ released two years later in 1933.

« The film is undoubtedly superior to the previous two attempts at the giallo genre Corte d’Assise and The Man With the Claw. The entire investigation, for example, up to the discovery of the thief was skilfully executed by Bonnard. (…) The acting is theatrical but effective. » [F. Sacchi / Corriere della Sera / 03/01/1934]

While some films from this period do still remain elusive (notably from the 1930s) thankfully most are available in some form or another – usually surviving via old domestic television recordings passed around amongst giallo aficionados over the decades.

All credit to the Cult Italian Cinema Collection Youtube channel

The second part, focusing on the 1960s and beyond, is based almost entirely on Luca Rea’s giallo reference guide I Colori del Buio – with about half a dozen personal additions. As with my approach, Rea’s book also includes films which aren’t necessarily gialli through and through – but still contain something of interest which relates to the genre.

Films will be added/deleted from the list as I go through them…

1931

Before the Jury/Corte D’Assise (Guido Brignone)

The Man With the Claw/L’Uomo d’Artiglio (Nunzio Malasomma)

1933

The 21:15 Train/Il Treno delle 21,15 (Amleto Palermi)

The Haller Case/Il Caso Haller (Alessandro Blasetti)

The Missing Treaty/Il Trattato Scomparso (Mario Bonnard)

1934

Giallo (Mario Camerini)

Darkness/Tenebre (Guido Brignone)

1935