The Cat o' Nine Tails

Argento's own least favourite of his films, and he is roughly right. A blind former journalist and a reporter investigate a murder at a genetics institute, and the mystery is more conventional and less visually deranged than the films on either side of it.

Karl Malden brings unexpected warmth as the blind investigator, and there are a couple of strong set pieces, but the film lacks the delirium that makes the best Argento essential. It is his most straightforward thriller.

Solid, competent, and the one Argento film that plays it safe.