'Tis Pity She's a Whore

'Tis pity indeed that one of Ennio Morricone's most powerful, heartbreaking scores has become so obscure. John Ford's scandalous, gory melodrama of incest and mass murder seemed a natural for the big screen in 1971, given the recent success of glossy Shakespeare films. However, the heavy doses of sex and violence didn't do much for audiences, despite the fact that the film is beautiful to watch thanks to underrated director Giuseppe Patroni Griffi (Metti, una sera a cena). Charlotte Rampling stars as Annabella, a noblewoman torn between a lustful relationship with her tortured brother (The Stud's Oliver Tobias) and a haughty suitor (Fabio Testi). Of course, it all ends badly with the bloodiest third act this side of Tenebrae. The music is pure romantic Morricone, with a haunting main theme ("Giovanni & Annabella") and a creepy, chanted finale ("Inter Mortuos Liber") that really packs a punch.

'Tis Pity She's a Whore1. Giovanni & Annabella
2. Wandering Brother
3. House Of Dreams
4. Au Fond Du Puits
5. Soranzo
6. Our Wonderful World
7. Love Me Or Kill Me, Sister
8. Tassilo
9. Inter Mortuos Liber (Dies Irae)