What Have You Done to Solange?

Original Title: Cosa Avete Fatto a Solange?
International Title: What Have You Done to Solange?
Year: 1972
Director: Massimo Dallamano
Screenplay: Bruno Di Geronimo, Massimo Dallamano, Peter M. Thouet
Main Cast: Fabio Testi, Karin Baal, Cristina Galbó, Joachim Fuchsberger, Camille Keaton
Genre: Giallo
Soundtrack: Ennio Morricone

Introduction

What Have You Done to Solange? is a 1972 giallo film directed by Massimo Dallamano, based on a novel by Edgar Wallace. With a complex plot and strong emotional content, the film explores themes of guilt, secrets, and revenge. It is renowned for its dark atmosphere and haunting score by Ennio Morricone, which helps create a palpable tension throughout the narrative. Thanks to powerful performances and masterful direction, *What Have You Done to Solange?* is considered a classic of Italian giallo and has significantly influenced the genre.

Plot

The story takes place primarily in a Catholic girls’ school in London, where a series of brutal murders of young students shakes the school community. The protagonist, Enrico “Henry” Rosseni (Fabio Testi), is an Italian literature teacher married to Herta (Karin Baal), the daughter of the school’s headmaster. Despite his marriage, Enrico is having an affair with one of his students, Elizabeth Seccles (Cristina Galbó).
During a boat trip on the Thames with Elizabeth, Enrico sees something that looks like a murder. Shortly after, Elizabeth is found dead. Enrico becomes the prime suspect, but while trying to prove his innocence, he discovers that the murders are linked to a dark secret involving several girls from the school.

The film’s title refers to Solange (Camille Keaton), a girl who has mysteriously disappeared. The search for the truth about what happened to Solange leads to shocking revelations and a dramatic finale in which the murderers are unmasked. The plot unfolds through a series of clues, suspicions, and twists, constantly keeping the tension high.

Main Characters

Enrico “Henry” Rosseni (Fabio Testi): A physical education teacher involved in an extramarital affair with one of his students. His attempt to clear himself of the murders leads him to uncover shocking truths. Herta Rosseni (Karin Baal): Enrico’s wife, daughter of the school’s headmaster. Although she initially suspects Enrico, she eventually helps him uncover the truth. Elizabeth Seccles (Cristina Galbó): The young student with whom Enrico has an affair. Her death marks the beginning of a series of murders. Inspector Barth (Joachim Fuchsberger): The detective assigned to investigate the murders. His investigation intertwines with Enrico’s search for the truth. Solange Beauregard (Camille Keaton): A girl who mysteriously disappeared, whose fate is central to the resolution of the mystery.

Themes and Style

The film explores the theme of guilt through Enrico’s character, who must not only deal with the consequences of his extramarital affair but also the guilt of failing to protect Elizabeth. His quest for truth is also a path to redemption.
Secrets are at the core of the plot, with each character hiding something. The revelation of these secrets drives the narrative forward and keeps the tension high.

Dallamano’s direction creates a dark and oppressive atmosphere, accentuated by Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack. The tight framing and skillful use of light and shadows contribute to a constant sense of threat.

The film also touches on social criticism, exploring corruption and hypocrisy within educational and religious institutions. Sexual repression and strict moral norms are questioned through the narrative.

Actor Performances

Fabio Testi: Testi’s performance as Enrico stands out for his ability to balance guilt and determination. His portrayal adds depth to the character and makes his transformation from suspect to tragic hero believable. Karin Baal: Baal delivers a convincing performance as Herta, a woman torn between love for her husband and her suspicions. Her evolution throughout the film adds an emotional dimension to the plot. Cristina Galbó: Although her role is relatively brief, Galbó leaves a significant impact as Elizabeth, whose death triggers the film’s main events. Joachim Fuchsberger: As Inspector Barth, Fuchsberger is effective in the role of a determined detective, whose investigation runs parallel to Enrico’s search for the truth, adding another layer of tension. Camille Keaton: Her portrayal of Solange, though limited, is central to the emotional climax of the film. Her haunting presence is felt even in her absence.

Conclusion

What Have You Done to Solange? is a masterpiece of Italian giallo cinema, combining a complex and gripping plot with deep psychological analysis and subtle social critique. Massimo Dallamano’s direction, Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack, and the powerful performances of the cast create a film that is as much an emotional experience as it is a captivating thriller.
For fans of the genre, this film is a must-see.

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