The Strange Vice of Mrs Wardh

The Strange Vice of Mrs Wardh

Year: 1971

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Sergio Martino

MysteryCrimeHorrorHorror the undead and monster classicsGraphic violence and brutal revenge

When socialite and heiress Julie Wardh starts receiving blackmail letters linked to a mysterious serial killer, she suspects her cruel, sadistic ex‑lover Jean. With her husband Neil often away, she seeks comfort in her friend’s cousin George. As the unseen assassin closes in, Julie fears the killer may be one of the three men surrounding her.

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Timeline & Setting – The Strange Vice of Mrs Wardh (1971)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Strange Vice of Mrs Wardh (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 1970s

The events unfold in the early 1970s, a period known for stylish fashion and a mix of luxury and threat in European cities. The film uses contemporary aesthetics to heighten tension between appearance and danger. The timeline is grounded in the era's social milieu, without shifting into historical or futuristic contexts.

Location

Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace Park, Spain

The story centers on Vienna's glamorous social scene, where elegant parties mask danger and suspicion. Key locations include the opulent circles of Vienna and the Schönbrunn Palace Park, which becomes a site of tragedy. The plot eventually travels to Spain, expanding the geographic stage and heightening the sense of pursuit beyond the city limits.

🌍 Vienna setting 🕵️ Crime thriller 🎭 High society

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:56

Main Characters – The Strange Vice of Mrs Wardh (1971)

Meet the key characters of The Strange Vice of Mrs Wardh (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Julie Wardh (Edwige Fenech)

Julie is a wealthy, connected wife returning to Vienna who carries a fraught history with her former lover Jean. Her marriage to Neil is strained by neglect, pushing her toward a dangerous affair with George. She becomes a central figure in a web of seduction, murder, and cover-ups, displaying resilience amid escalating peril.

💃 Protagonist 🗝️ Secrets 🕵️ Suspense

Jean (Ivan Rassimov)

Jean is the enigmatic former lover whose manipulative, dangerous games haunt Julie. He taunts and brutalizes, leaving a chilling presence even after apparent death. His actions drive the plot’s suspense and reveal the depth of deceit surrounding Julie.

🗡️ Antagonist 🕷️ Manipulator 🗝️ Past relationship

Neil Wardh (Alberto de Mendoza)

Neil is Julie's diplomat husband who appears neglectful yet quietly calculating. He becomes entangled in a conspiracy to hide infidelity and orchestrate murders for financial relief. His actions show a willingness to sacrifice others to protect his status and wealth.

💼 Husband 🕵️‍♂️ Conspirator 💰 Ambition

George Corro (George Hilton)

George is Julie's cousin and heir with a flair for charm and selfish aims. He colludes in the murder plot to secure inheritance and later recruits others to help cover tracks. His calculative nature and desire for wealth propel the film's twists and betrayals.

💎 Heir 🪙 Opportunist 🕵️ Plotter

Carol Brandt (Conchita Airoldi)

Carol is Julie's friend whose murder becomes a catalyst for the investigation. Her death underscores the danger surrounding Julie and the extents to which others will go to protect secrets. She represents an innocent victim drawn into a web of manipulation.

👭 Friend 🩸 Victim 🕵️ Tragedy

Dr. Arbe (Manuel Gil)

Dr. Arbe is the physician who helps Julie and inadvertently becomes part of the plot’s manipulation. His role contributes to the illusion of safety while the web of deceit tightens. He embodies the theme that expertise can be co-opted to serve darker motives.

🧑‍⚕️ Doctor 🧭 Helper 🧩 Puzzle pieces

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:56

Major Themes – The Strange Vice of Mrs Wardh (1971)

Explore the central themes of The Strange Vice of Mrs Wardh (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love and Betrayal

Julie's marriage to Neil is strained by a past affair with Jean and a new fling with George. The relationship web pulls characters into a spiral of secrecy, jealousy, and manipulation. Betrayal drives much of the plot, leading to deadly consequences and uneasy loyalties. The intertwined romantic entanglements become the engine that fuels the mystery.

🔪 Murder and Deception

A razor-wielding killer turns romance and social events into a scene of danger. Characters construct alibis and stashes of deceit to shield themselves from suspicion. The doctor, investigators, and survivors navigate a maze of misdirection and staged events. The twists reveal how easily truth can be camouflaged by appearances.

⚖️ Guilt and Consequences

The conspiracies among Neil, George, and others unravel as consequences close in. The plan to manipulate deaths and profits is tested by police scrutiny and unexpected interventions. The faked death of Julie and the revealed collaborations illustrate how guilt can be both concealed and revealed. The ending suggests that justice may be complicated and partially achieved.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:56

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The Strange Vice of Mrs Wardh Summary

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The Strange Vice of Mrs Wardh Summary

The Strange Vice of Mrs Wardh Timeline

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The Strange Vice of Mrs Wardh Timeline

More About The Strange Vice of Mrs Wardh

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