Le cinque giornate (1973)

Notorious giallo director Dario Argento stepped outside the horror genre only once, to helm the unique historical comedy La Cinque giornate (1973). Set in the mid-nineteenth century, Argento’s film chronicles the avarice, violence, and anarchy that reigned during the Italian revolution, but he manages to keep the tone light by swapping ponderous moral conclusions with bawdy, slapstick humor. Heavily influenced by the sweeping, operatic cinema of Sergio Leone, this is a curious stylistic cul-de-sac for a master of European horror. It’s also a nice showcase for dazzling Roman goddess Marilù Tolo, who adds a jolt of bodice-ripping fun.