Mio Caro Assassino (aka My Dear Killer) (1972)

A police commissioner (George Hilton) is assigned the task of investigating the decapitation of an insurance investigator (Francesco Di Federico) at a rural swamp area. But his death is only the tip of the iceberg as his death is connected to the unsolved kidnapping and murder of a child (Lara Wendel) which happened over a year ago. Directed by Tonino Valeri (MY NAME IS NOBODY), this is a marvelous mystery giallo, one of the best I've seen. While I found some of the violence excessive (the murder of a school teacher is particularly egregious), the mystery itself is worthy of Agatha Christie! As with most gialli, victims often act foolishly thus almost inviting their own deaths. For example, if you're on a public street and feel you're being followed, why run down a dark alley? But this is a minor quibble, overall this is a first rate thriller. The score is typical Ennio Morricone. With Marilu Tolo, Salvo Randone, William Berger, Patty Shepard, Piero Lulli, Lola Gaos and Helga Line.