Il rossetto

Although French ,born in Brest,Pierre Brice is virtually unknown in his native France;in Germany he is looked upon as an icon,thanks to the Winnetou saga.He resembles Alain Delon and that may account for his failure in France.

'Il Rossetto" is an exciting psychological thriller .A hooker has been slain.A fourteen-year old girl claims she saw her neighbor coming out of the victim's flat.Laura Vivaldi gives a stunning portrayal of that complex girl :is she the good girl ? a holier-than-thou? a romantic girl in love with Gino? a lipstick Lolita? Probably all this.

Pierre Brice is equally effective as the object of her love .Supporting cast includes Georgia Moll who was popular in the sixties and Bella Darvi -Her Name came from Darryl (Zanuck)and his wife Vicky-whose (artificial)short-lived career tragically ended .

The Silvana /Gino relationship is intense,often harsh and ruthless.Do not miss this movie if you have the chance to catch it on TV.

Like this? try these ......

"These three" (1936) and "the children's hour" (1962) by William Wyler.

"Les Risques du Métier" (1967) by André Cayatte