Blood Link

Plot synopsis:
Craig Manning (Michael Moriarty) is a respected doctor living in the United States, who begins to experience strange visions of women being murdered. Before long, he begins to suspect that these visions are the result of a psychic connection with his twin brother Keith (also Michael Moriarty), who supposedly died in a house fire in Cleveland at the age of 17, but who is now engaged in a murder spree. Recognizing the scenery in one of the visions, Craig travels to Hamburg, Germany to find and stop his brother, over the protests of his girlfriend Julie Warren (Penelope Milford).
Meanwhile, Keith is soon spotted and mistaken for Craig at a Hamburg coffee shop by ex-boxer Bud Waldo, (Cameron Mitchell) one Craig's former patients. Maliciously, Keith goads the older man into an impromptu boxing match, striking him repeatedly and causing a fatal heart attack. Craig arrives on the scene in time to meet Waldo's daughter Christine (Sarah Langenfeld), who joins him in his search for Keith. The two quickly become lovers, but their search is hampered by the local police (led by inspector Hessinger [Reinhold Olszewski]) who think Craig is to blame for Keith's murders. While they hide, Keith locates them, kills Christine, and finally confronts his brother, telling him he was aware of their psychic connection and that he committed the murders as a way of bringing his estranged brother to him. Craig condemns his actions, but Keith escapes, promising more murders. Shortly thereafter, the police arrive and arrest Craig, charging him with Christine's murder.
In short order, Julie arrives in Germany and --certain that Craig's visions are real-- implores the local authorities in Hamburg to help search for Keith in connection to the murders that Craig is now being blamed for. While Craig sits in jail, she concocts a plan to act as bait for Keith, meeting him at a secret location and counting on Craig's psychic connection to help bring the police to her in time. Keith, psychologically unstable and obsessed with his brother, attempts to rape Julie, but during the struggle she is able to stab him to death with his own knife.
With Keith dead, the charges against Craig are dropped and he is freed from prison. He continues to have visions, however, which seem to show Keith returning from the grave. Moreover, he seems to have taken on some of Keith's personality characteristics. The film ends with some ambiguity about whether Keith is still somehow psychically affecting his brother from beyond the grave, or if Craig is simply psychologically scarred from his experience.

Tags: paranormal, murder

Review:
Alberto De Martino's "Blood Link" is a pretty good thriller.Michael Moriaty plays a doctor,who has frightening visions of murder and discovers that this may be because of a psychic link to his siamese twin brother,who is murdering women in Germany.He tries to find him and stop the madness.The cast is pretty good with excellent performance by Michael Moriaty and the score by Ennio Morricone is brilliant.There is some violence and plenty of nudity.The film reminds me a little bit Brian De Palma's masterful "Sisters"(1973),but it has enough suspense and surprises to satisfy horror fans.Check it out..
BLOOD LINK (Alberto De Martino, 1982) **1/2.
Incidentally, given that it deals with Siamese twins who haven't been in contact for years but are able to 'see' what one another is doing, it somehow feels like the long-lost sibling of two Brian De Palma films itself  coming, as it does, in between his SISTERS (1973) and RAISING CAIN (1992)!
Anyway, it's mildly interesting (even more so for me, being a twin myself!), good-looking (the film was shot in the U.S. and Germany) and features an understated Ennio Morricone score  but, in the long run, emerges as nothing especially remarkable.
Besides, even if the supporting cast is decked out with veteran presences  Geraldine Fitzgerald, Virginia McKenna and Cameron Mitchell  they're all basically wasted (McKenna, for instance, is already dead within the first 5 minutes!).The lead is played by Michael Moriarty, an actor noted for his intense performances  and, here, we get double the dose (with the star, predictably, hamming it up particularly in his serial-killer characterization)!
However, he's flanked by two lovely ladies whose contribution is above-average for this sort of thing  Penelope Milford (ex-Oscar nominee for COMING HOME [1978]!) as the good Moriarty's girlfriend and Sarah Langenfeld (in one of only 4 films she did) as the daughter of has-been prizefighter Mitchell, whose cold-blooded murder at the hands of the bad Moriarty she witnesses.
By the way, the film features a surprising amount of nudity (by the two girls and others)  but it's not done in an overly sleazy or exploitative manner.The 'face/off' situations between the two brothers provide the expected fireworks; the climax, then, sees Milford distracting the villainous (and impotent) Moriarty by letting him rape her  thus enabling the police to track him down through his brother's ability to recognize the surroundings!
This is followed, however, by a far-fetched CARRIE (1976)-like twist set in the city morgue...but which leads to an effectively unsettling 'curtain' where Milford is literally unable to tell which brother she's ended up with!
P.S. If all goes well, I should be getting to another of De Martino's horror films  HOLOCAUST 2000 (1977)  in the near future, which is one I've missed out on numerous times in the past....
Well, "Blood Link" isn't exactly an important film, but it's easily his most ambitious and valuable role.
Your first impression will probably be that he's terribly miscast in his double role as sadistic murderer and the telepathically linked twin brother who pursues him, but he actually grows in his role and gets more convincing as the story develops.
Craig Mannings is a doctor living in the United States who's frequently disturbed by nightmares in which he sees himself committing gruesome murders.
He's instantly reminded of his former Siamese twin brother Keith, only he supposedly dies in an arson at age 17.
"Blood Link" is an interesting, albeit slow and implausible thriller with some clear giallo influences and a most enchanting score by master Ennio Morricone.
Alberto De Martino  one of Italy's most criminally underrated director  professionally and adds in twists, nifty murders and even some nudity whenever you tend to lost interest.
Although nearly not shocking or violent enough to rank among Italy's better thrillers, fans might find it enjoyable and worth tracking down..
"Blood Link" is a suspenseful and pretty scary thriller..
"Blood Link" is a suspenseful and pretty scary thriller.The plot: Craig Manning (Moriarty) is a doctor.
It turns out he has a Siamese brother (also played by Moriarty) who lives in Hamburg.
Craig tracks him down to unravel the mystery."Blood Link" is worth watching for the usual excellent performance by Moriarty.
The direction by De Martino is fast-paced and the music by Ennio Morricone is always worth a listen.In the end: If you can find it, "Blood Link" is an interesting horror movie worth watching.For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com.
Film needs a better link of scenes and story.
Moriarty in two brother roles, shows us what a fine actor he is.
It's good Moriarty versus Moriarty, where good Moriarty's life, is becoming a living hell, thanks to his Siamese twin brother, who's fortunately a psychotic, who's committed a sting of brutal murders, one not so brutal, involving punching an ex boxing star (lovable veteran actor Cameron Mitchell).
His good brother has it all, successful, likable, and a really nice piece of female a..e The ain't half bad film offers some nice servings of nudity and some nice slappings of venesection (gore) and Moriarty, who's acting presence is always something viewable, especially after seeing in Q.
Michael Moriarty does a good job of playing identical, separated Siamese twins, who share a telepathic link.
Craig is a doctor practising in North America whilst Keith is a psychopathic killer, murdering in Berlin.
Craig acts upon his visions and travels to Germany to try and stop the killing spree.
Although a fan of Euro horror I had not heard of Blood Link until I saw a cheap copy for sale on VHS.
Moriarty is good in both roles.
There is a touch of sleaziness about Blood Link.
It also has a reasonable body count, and although there is a lot of dialogue throughout it's running time it is peppered with kills and nudity to keep it interesting.
Doctor Craig Mannings is having visions where he sees himself killing women, but he slowly realises he's actually seeing through the eyes of a killer.
This complements Michael Moriarty's dual performance of two extremes.
Moriarty is a joy to watch, especially when he comes face to face with himself.
Moriarty playing the evil twin role simply got under my skin and the acts of violence handed out by this character are merciless.
The twist when it comes is nightmarish, but the ending paints a very haunting suggestion that gives the film an effective sting because of its convincing performances.
There's real solid support by Penelope Milford (who's fantastic in the very final scene), Geraldine Fitzgerald and quick cameo part for Cameron Mitchell..
Blood Link is a German and Italian co-production; although it was clearly made for an American audience.
Blood Link is more of a psychological thriller that takes in themes relating to psychology and a psychic link between two people.
Craig Mannings and his girlfriend are doctors trying to create a new way of exploring pain and dreams.
Craig decides to test the new methods on himself but ends up finding a way into his presumed dead ex-Siamese twin brother's conscience.
He discovers that his brother is living in Hamburg and murdering people; but this doesn't stop him from going to Hamburg and tracking him down.
When he arrives in Hamburg, the killings continue until the inevitable meeting between the two brothers.Michael Moriarty has had an interesting career; the highlight of which for me is his role in Larry Cohen's excellent 'The Stuff'.
Moriarty is not an obvious choice for the lead role in a film like this; but he fits into it excellently and makes both characters he plays very believable.
The film is interesting throughout and several good ideas are explored; not least the idea of a psychic link between two brothers that used to share a physical link, but there's also some good ideas relating to the sexuality of the 'bad' twin.
There's a few murders scenes; none of them particularly bloody or over the top but good enough and fitting within the movie.
Cameron Mitchell's aging wrestler's character has a highlight scene in that respect.
The premise of the movie is similar to David Cronenberg's later Dead Ringers; and while the latter is the better film, there's lots to like here and Blood Link is certainly worth a look..
Blood Link stars Michael Moriarty as a respected scientist who studies dreams with his lab/bedroom partner Penelope Milford.
Moriarty is having visions of himself murdering women and comes to understand that he is seeing murders committed through the eyes of his psychopathic lost twin brother--also played by Moriarty.
So the good doctor packs his bags and heads to Germany where his brother is engaged in his murder spree.The doctor believes that if he can find his brother before the police locate him, he can shuttle him back to the States and get him some psychiatric treatment.
But brother has other ideas in mind--namely taking his place in the lab and more appropriately, in bed with Penelope Milford.STORY: $$ (The story doesn't offer anything new to the genre.
Who hasn't seen one of these good/evil twin thrillers before?
The personality quirks (Moriarty playing with his hair) were forced plot details and hindered the film).ACTING: $$ (Rather weak.
Michael Moriarty and Penelope Milford are both talented thespians but they have no chemistry and at times seem to sleepwalk through their roles.
The great Cameron Mitchell gives a quality performance as former prizefighter Bud Waldo who mistakes the murderous Moriarty for the doctor who treated him once.
Sarah Langenfeld has a bedroom tryst with Michael Moriarty because ol' Mike is so blasted irresistible.
A lovely little lady, Penelope bares her breasts early in the film in bed with Moriarty and near the close of the film she is stripped to her birthday suit by the evil Moriarty.
The credits roll with Penelope getting her pajama top removed for a final shot of breasts just in case the viewer forgot what the movie was all about.
Pretty enjoyable evil twin trash..
Seems to me there aren't enough horror films dealing with evil twins.
Blood Link is one such though, and pretty entertaining stuff albeit no classic.
The story follows Dr. Craig Mannings, research psychiatrist having visions of beautiful women getting offed by his hand.
He realises soon enough that in fact he is seeing through the eyes of his maniac brother Keith and so without further ado heads off to Hamburg to find him.
Though directed by an Italian Blood Link has more in common with glossy yet seedy Hollywood thrillers of the era, the sort of thing in fact inspired at least in part by giallo cinema.
There isn't overmuch style on hand, but its a pretty well made affair and there's an understated but fairly pleasing Ennio Morricone score to keep things bubbling along.
Perhaps the most typically Italian thing about the film is a script that cares about nothing more than moving the action along, resulting in a succession of plot holes opening up that threaten to engulf the whole experience if one looks back even for a moment to consider them.
Like how come neither Craig's girlfriend nor employers have anything to say on the subject of his leaving the country to search for a murderer?
Of course, none of this would work without some performances up to the task, and happily awesome character actor Michael Moriarty is on the case, playing Craig and Keith.
As Craig he does not initially hook, coming across very much low key and befuddled, but grows into the role, taking on determination and a harder edge.
The rest of the cast is solid and includes a nice but sad cameo from the great Cameron Mitchell, though mostly notable for its attractive women.
Penelope Milford as Craig's girlfriend, Sarah Langenfeld as a vengeful lass on Keith's case and Martha Smith as a local hooker, all fill their roles well and all show their lovely breasts.
Moments of death or menace in fact often come after or involve sex or nudity giving a nice sleazy edge, which is helpful as in a shocking turn of events there's only bare minimal bloodshed.
A man shares a psychic link with his siamese twin brother who he thought perished in a fire but has actually become a serial killer in Berlin, Germany (don't ya hate it when that happens?).
In fact, the two films it borrows most liberally from--Brian DePalma's "Sisters" and the John Carpenter-scripted "Eyes of Laura Mars"--were themselves very heavily influenced by gialli making this film a kind of trans-Atlantic cinematic feedback.The acting is very good.
Michael Moriarity plays dual roles as the protagonist and his psychopathic brother.
Cameron Mitchell has a pretty decent cameo as an aging prize fighter.
Penelope Milford is also pretty good.
The script has Milford and all the other women in this movie generously shedding their clothes, even though doing so often requires their characters to be unbelievably stupid.
One woman goes to bed with the identical twin of a man who she has just watched beat her elderly father to death, even though she really only has his own word that he is in fact the twin.
Milford herself basically lets the homicidal brother rape her in an ill-conceived effort to save her unfaithful boyfriend from a murder charge.
The ending might be an interesting attempt to explore the same psychological and metaphysical ground touched on in "Sisters" or the later David Cronenberg movie "Dead Ringers", or it could be just another sorry excuse to show Milford naked--hard to tell with these kind of movies.
An interesting film though, especially for Michael Moriarty and/or giallo fans..
Worth seeing for the Moriarty oddness.
Dr. Craig Mannings (Michael Moriarty) believes he has discovered a revolutionary psychology technique and has been using himself as the guinea pig.
Unfortunately, these experiments allow Mannings to see through the eyes of someone else and that person is murdering folks.
Turns out he is seeing through the eyes of Keith (Moriarty again), his Siamese twin that Craig believed was dead.
Using clues from his visions, Craig tracks Keith to Germany but soon finds out that his brother wants him there to create the perfect patsy for his crimes.Alberto De Martino directed this Italian/German co-production.
While you won't get anything original with the plot of normal twin/evil twin, it is worth seeing solely for the performances by Moriarty.
Moriarty has the "normal" sibling as slightly odd, while the "evil" one is like he is playing Klaus Kinski on a good day.
Also worth mentioning is a scene where the evil Keith gleefully punches an aging boxer (Cameron Mitchell) - who just happened to have been treated by Craig in the States - to death in a park.
Sadly, the rest of the film isn't up to the level of Moriarty's enthusiasm.
Also, the plot is full of holes and silly coincidences (odds of your unknown twin running into a patient you treated in a cafe in Germany?) that, at times, make you feel like a reel was left out.
***SPOILERS*** Strange tale of two identical Siamese Twines, played by the prying mantas or string bean looking Michael Moriarty, separate at birth who go on in life in two opposite directions.
One Craig Manning a respected and well loved doctor in the USA and the "Evil One" of the two Keith a ruthless serial murderer in far off Germany who specializes in murdering well stacked women,both young and middle age, after having sex with them.
It's the good twin Craig who get's visions of women being murdered that tips him off on his twin brother Keith's, who supposedly died in a house fire in Cleveland at the age of 17, murder spree across the Atlantic.Craig While taking a trip to Hamburg Germany, where he saw Keith commit his murders, where Keith is soon spotted and mistaken for him at a Hamburg coffee shop by by one Craig's former patients ex-boxer and now professional wrestler Bud Waldo, Cameron Mitchell,whom he treated some time ago for an arm injury.
Feeling that he may uncover his true identity in him not being Craig Manning has Keith trick Waldo, who has a serious heart condition, into a friendly sparring session with him in the park.
With Keith hitting the much older man in all directions and not for once letting up induces Waldo to drop dead of a massive heart attack.
Now really getting into it Keith goes all out to murder anyone, not just sexy and buxom women, who can figure out or prove that he's in fact not Craig but Keith!
In that she can prove that Craig in fact does have an identical twin who's been murdering at will and laying the blame for his murders to his brother Craig!
***SPOILERS*** It's difficult to believe that Keith can commit so many murders in the movie without anyone not only not suspecting he committed them but not being able to catch him as well.
Now dead and on a slab in the morgue Craig come to bid his twin brother Keith a final farewell that in fact turns out to be fatal for him!
***MAJOR SPOILER***The films crazy and unexplained ending in the dead not only raising from the grave or morgue but taking over someone's body and mind was just too much for me to take.
Up until then "Blood Link" at least made some kind of sense as a crime thriller but in it's suddenly turning into a supernatural horror movie it took any credibility that was still left in the film away for it..
Even the great film music composer Ennio Morricone can't muster much enthusiasm in his role.
While Michael Moriarty has given good performances in the past, he seems too wimpish as the good twin, and not psychotic enough in the role as the evil twin.
Well, part of the movie was filmed in places familiar to me, and it was fun recognizing these locations.
And there is an unintentionally funny sequence when the meek Michael Moriarty beats up Cameron Mitchell.