With its rather edgy, alluring title, 1968’s Naked You Die (also known as The Young, the Evil and the Savage, as well as Schoolgirl Killer), you’d think you are in for a highly controversial giallo, but, as this dates from the 60s, a few years prior to when this style of film started pushing the boundaries of violence and sex, you’re actually in for a slightly more traditional murder mystery compared to what the title might suggest.
After an unknown piece of luggage in the form of a giant, heavy trunk arrives at St. Hilda’s College (which is basically a posh boarding school for young women) along with a few new staff members, including husky voiced, goth like science teacher Mrs. Clay (Betty Low) and ultra athletic gym teacher and swim instructor Di Brazzi (Giovanni Di Benedetto), things turn unexpectedly murderous rather quickly.
Also on the staff are Headmistress Transfield (Vivian Stapleton) – who is strict and stern. . . running a tight ship; a creepy Peter Lorre lookalike gardener in Le Foret (Luciano Pigozzi) – who might also be a peeping Tom; an ancient sidler named Professor André – who takes care of screaming birds and creepy crawly bugs; Miss Martin (Ester Masing) – who gives off a rather sapphic-leaning vibe; as well as Mark Damon (Richard Barrett) – the dashing riding instructor who seems rather too close to the students.
Outside of the staff, the place is nearly empty – as it is during the holidays and most of the students have returned home for the break, leaving only a few ladies remaining: there’s Lucille (Eleonora Brown) – a wealthy orphaned girl in a love affair with the equestrian teacher; crime story writing Jill (Sally Smith) – who is eager to solve the whodunit before anyone else; loyal Denise (Patrizia Valturri) – a caring confidant for Lucille; shower loving Cynthia (Malisa Longo); and snooty Betty Ann (Caterina Trentini) – who is also big into riding.
With so many possible killers, Inspector Durand (Michael Rennie) has quite the case in front of him. . . though his lackluster work (along with that of his police force) will narrow things down – as the death count rises faster than a thermometer placed in the hot desert sand. Will anyone survive this torrid week? Might crime guru student Jill have a better chance at coming to the conclusion quicker than the professionals? Could that trunk introduced early in the story be a clue. . . or is it simply a McGuffin?
Directed by Antonio Margheriti (Seven Dead in the Cat’s Eye) and with uncredited writing help from the great Mario Bava (Blood and Black Lace), much of this film’s enjoyment comes from the thrills built by way of its narrative. Every adult seems suspicious, their personal locations off-putting. Suggestive items like scuba gear, a sickle used by the gardener, an ultra acidic lime pond seen by Mark Damon on one of his rides, a tree used for spying, Professor André’s always seemingly unlocked live animal and bug museum, and a fencing sword are all introduced as things unfurl, possible clues that can be equally misleading. Clearly inspired by the filmography of Alfred Hitchcock, staircases, basements, showers, a fascination with birds, and its conclusion all point rather clearly to the Master of Suspense’s later era catalogue – a nice thrill for Hitchcock fans out there.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not mention the title track “Nightmare” and the score by Carlo Savina (Don Powell also helped with the former, while Rose Brennan sang it). Most akin to the original Batman tv series theme song, infused with touches of a Vic Mizzy composition (think The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Reluctant Astronaut, and the iconic The Addams Family 1960s television series), and perhaps even more than a hint of a James Bond tune, it is catchy and more than a bit addictive the whole way through.
A solid example of a 60s giallo (falling into the more refined, less excessively liberal category), Naked You Die will keep you guessing til the very end. . . though all of the clues are there for astute viewers to predict the twisty finale. So, dress in your professorial best as you cross into this most dangerous game.
This film can be watched in its original Italian cut with English subtitles, or in a dubbed English edit that is shorter