Scotland Yard investigates the mysterious death of Michael Craig’s wife. Since this was the third wife Craig has lost in a row (and received a big insurance check from each one), the police are naturally suspicious and charge him with murder. Shortly after Craig is acquitted on all charges, he meets the free-spirited Carroll Baker, who sweeps him off his feet. After a whirlwind courtship, they are married, but Carroll quickly reveals she’s not exactly what she seems.
Directed by Eugenio (Horror Express) Martin, The Fourth Victim is an intriguing and sporadically entertaining thriller. Most of the suspense comes from whether Craig is actually a modern-day Bluebeard, or if he’s just cursed by bad luck. The script is rather twisty and if you do find your attention waning, just hang in there as there’s another plot twist just around the corner.
The set-up does drag its feet a bit. I know they had to build up Craig’s predicament, but the film does take a while to find its footing. Luckily, once the winning Baker shows up, she gives the movie a shot in the arm. Too bad she disappears on and off again almost as quickly. Craig is an okay leading man, even if he is a bit stiff and dull at times. Marina (The Red Queen Kills Seven Times) Malfatti makes a memorable impression though as a sexy escaped mental patient who figures into the final act.
I’ve seen The Fourth Victim listed as a giallo in some places, but that’s not really the case. If you’re looking for stylish murder sequences, you’ll probably be disappointed as there’s a rather small body count. In fact, you have to wait until the movie is almost over before anyone gets stabbed to death. Honestly, it almost plays like a TV Movie of the Week from the ‘70s as the breadcrumbs of the various plot twists are parceled out so evenly that you could almost insert commercial breaks after they are revealed. Sure, it could’ve used a bit more blood or skin, but overall, this is a decent little thriller that should appease fans of Baker.
AKA: The Fourth Mrs. Anderson. AKA: Death at the Deep End of the Swimming Pool.
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