Born in 1914 , Bava photographed his first film in 1939, a short called Il Tacchino Prepotente. It was his skills as a cinematographer, as well as a director, which defined horror films and in particular "giallo" films of the 60's.

The first film which really brought him international attention was Black Sunday in 1960. It was also the movie which made a cult star out of Barbara Steele. In it, she played a witch who is killed and then returns from the grave to seek revenge against the descendants of her executors.

Another prime example of his work is 1964's Blood and Black Lace. Beautifully photographed, with the obligatory black gloved killer which would become a staple of Argento's work, this one is a must-see. It concerns a stalker who kills women in the fashion business. You might consider it "terror on the rocks," for it features beautiful models and a jazzy lounge score to go along with its inventive and grisly murders.

Son Lamberto also became a filmmaker of note, having directed such films as A Blade in the Dark, Macabro and the popular Demons trilogy.

Bava, Sr. died in 1980 after having done the special effects for Argento's Inferno, but his work speaks for itself.

NOTABLE BAVA FILMS	YEAR
Baron Blood	1972
Black Sabbath	1963
Black Sunday	1960
Blood & Black Lace	1964
Five Dolls for an August Moon	1970
The Girl Who Knew Too Much	1963
Hatchet for the Honeymoon	1970
Kill, Baby...Kill!	1966
Lisa & the Devil	1972
Planet of the Vampires	1965
Shock	1977
Twitch of the Death Nerve	1971