Is Five Dolls for an August Moon Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1970)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Five Dolls for an August Moon, a standout production of 1970, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Horror, Mystery, Thriller landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A wealthy playboy gathers a group of bourgeois friends at his isolated beach house for a weekend of relaxation. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Horror, Mystery, Thriller are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A wealthy playboy gathers a group of bourgeois friends at his isolated beach house for a weekend of relaxation. When bodies start pilling up, they realize they’re trapped with a killer in their midst, sending them in a frenzy to figure out who amongst them is killing the others before they are killed next."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Ira von Fürstenberg ensure that the emotional beats of Five Dolls for an August Moon always land with sufficient weight. Ira von Fürstenberg provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Mario Bava is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 82 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Five Dolls for an August Moon truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Horror, Mystery, Thriller, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.7/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Five Dolls for an August Moon explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 1970 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Mario Bava respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Five Dolls for an August Moon serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Ira von Fürstenberg or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Five Dolls for an August Moon is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.