Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath

Year: 1964

Runtime: 92 min

Language: Italian

Director: Mario Bava

Horror

This eerie horror anthology presents three unsettling tales of terror, narrated by Boris Karloff. The first story explores the dark secrets of a haunted nurse, while the second follows a vulnerable call girl pursued by an unseen presence. Finally, a timeless curse is unleashed as a vampire relentlessly hunts his prey, creating a chilling and unforgettable experience.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Black Sabbath yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Black Sabbath (1964)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Black Sabbath (1964). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

19th Century

The stories are set in various time periods, with one segment taking place in 19th Century Russia, a time known for its feudal traditions and looming superstitions surrounding the undead. Another setting is Victorian London, characterized by its gothic elements and societal complexities, where the clash of morality and greed comes to the forefront. This multifaceted timeline adds depth to the horror experienced by the characters.

Location

Paris, 19th Century Russia, Victorian London

The film features diverse settings including the bustling streets of Paris known for its vibrant nightlife and alluring charm. In stark contrast, 19th Century Russia is portrayed with a rustic ambiance, evoking a sense of isolation and dread in the face of supernatural terror. Victorian London sets the stage with its eerie atmosphere, where the mundane and supernatural collide, creating a haunting backdrop for the events that unfold.

🏙️ City 🌲 Countryside 🏰 Historical

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:41

Main Characters – Black Sabbath (1964)

Meet the key characters of Black Sabbath (1964), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rosy (Michèle Mercier)

Rosy is a complex character whose life as a high-priced call-girl reveals her vulnerabilities and deep-seated fears. She grapples with her past and the haunting presence of her ex-pimp, which leads her to make desperate decisions. Throughout her terrifying ordeal, Rosy demonstrates resilience as she fights for her life against overwhelming odds.

👩‍💼 Call-girl 😨 Fearful 💔 Vulnerable

Mary (Lidia Alfonsi)

Mary presents a facade of friendship and support, but her true intentions are twisted and deceptive. Her character embodies betrayal, as she manipulates Rosy when she is most vulnerable. As the night progresses, her actions reveal the lengths she will go to reclaim her place in Rosy's life, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

👩‍❤️‍👩 Manipulative 🎭 Deceptive 😈 Betrayer

Gorcha (Boris Karloff)

Gorcha is a menacing figure whose return embodies true horror as he straddles the line between family and monster. His character raises profound questions about the nature of love and its sacrifices when faced with darker forces. The bond he has with his family leads to devastating choices and actions that generate a cycle of horror.

👹 Undead 🔥 Terrifying 💔 Familial

Helen Chester (Jacqueline Pierreux)

Helen is a nurse whose greed leads her into a spiraling descent into madness. Her fixation on the stolen ring propels her character into a nightmare filled with guilt and terror. The relentless torment she experiences after her moral failing showcases her fragility and vulnerability, culminating in a tragic end.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse 💰 Greedy 😱 Haunted

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:41

Major Themes – Black Sabbath (1964)

Explore the central themes of Black Sabbath (1964), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔪 Fear & Betrayal

The film explores deep-seated fears of betrayal, particularly through Rosy's plight when she feels at the mercy of her ex-pimp and a supposed friend. This theme resonates strongly, as characters struggle with trust and the consequences of their choices. The senseless brutality of their actions leads to tragic outcomes, highlighting how fear can twist relationships and lead to catastrophic results.

👻 Supernatural Horror

Supernatural elements pervade the three tales, particularly with the notion of the undead in 'The Wurdalak' and the haunting from the grave in 'The Drop of Water'. These stories probe the boundaries between the living and the dead, illustrating how past actions can have dreadful repercussions. The pervasive fear of the unknown binds the characters, amplifying the horror they face.

💔 Love & Sacrifice

Amid the terror, the theme of love and sacrifice emerges, especially within the context of familial ties in 'The Wurdalak'. The tension between love and the horror of what one must do to survive paints a grim picture of desperation. Characters find themselves faced with impossible choices, questioning how far they are willing to go for love, often leading to heartbreaking outcomes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:41

Unlock the Full Story of Black Sabbath

Don't stop at just watching — explore Black Sabbath in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Black Sabbath is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Black Sabbath Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Black Sabbath, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Black Sabbath Summary

Black Sabbath Timeline

Track the full timeline of Black Sabbath with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Black Sabbath Timeline

More About Black Sabbath

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Black Sabbath: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Black Sabbath

Similar Movies to Black Sabbath

Discover movies like Black Sabbath that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.