Alcoholic novelist Oliviero (Pistilli) suffers from a terrible case of writer's block.

He sublimates his frustration by abusing and berating his lovely wife Irina (Strindberg) to no end.

But when a killer with a curved blade begins slashing the throats of local young women, could it be Oliviero? Has he taken his psychoses too far?

Or does another madman roam the countryside?

A memorable thriller from Martino with some good murders (shop girl Fausta rates as one of the best). Fenech turns in an uncharacteristic, but delightful, performance as Pistilli's bitchy niece Floriana.

But the real standout here is from genre regular Strindberg, who alternately withers, shines...and schemes. She's terrific.

With an irrefutably beautiful score by Bruno Nicolai.

Also known as Gently Before She Dies.

Italian: Il Tuo vizio è una stanza chiusa e solo io ne ho la chiave.

Worth seeking out.