By 1968 the idea of the Italian thriller/mystery had caught on and producers and screenwriters of the time had started to fine-tune the formula that would ultimately be used as the blueprint for future films. Deadly Inheritance is a perfect example of this evolution.

The film lacks the iconic black gloves and gleaming blade of more modern Gialli, but there are a few suspenseful killer-pov stalking scenes that hint at the evolving artistic aspect of future Giallo setpieces. There’s also plenty of female flesh to fill the slower-paced scenes, including Femi Benussi who allegedly holds the title for most nude scenes for a non-pornographic actress.

Unlike other Gialli from this time period that slowly weave a plot of deception, betrayal, and gaslighting, Deadly Inheritance offers up an entertaining and fairly straightforward “killer on the loose” narrative. Initially, the killer’s simple motive is established after Oscar’s will is read (fewer beneficiaries means more money for the relatives who survive), but after a couple of extra character introductions and a plot twist or two, a more complex (albeit nonsensical) rationale is ultimately revealed.

Visually, the film strikes a nice balance between the burgeoning urban jet-set culture style and neorealism, juxtaposing rail road switching stations, dense forests, and cornfields with modern dance clubs and financial offices. But compared to a film like Don’t Torture a Duckling, this dichotomy doesn’t seem to push any type of subtext or social commentary. Nevertheless, Deadly Inheritance makes an effort to be topical by tackling themes of mentally ill exploitation and society’s expectation of post-teenage females. Fortunately, this doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the film… for me, at least.

Deadly Inheritance is entertaining enough that it should be on everyone’s shortlist of pre-Argento Gialli to watch at least once. The film is a significant example of the evolving Giallo style of the late 1960s. Beyond that, however, I don’t think the film benefits from multiple viewings.