Knives of the Avenger

Knives of the Avenger (I coltelli del vendicatore) is 1966 Italian film directed by Mario Bava. Bava entered production when it was already falling apart and re-wrote and shot the film in six days. It was credited to fictitious director John Hold.

Production
Knives of the Avenger was a troubled production originally directed by Leopoldo Savona. Mario Bava entered into the production to complete it, rewriting and reshooting the film and finishing the production in six days. Film historian Tim Lucas described Knives of the Avenger as a remake of the film Shane in a Viking setting.

The film was shot at Titanus Studios in Rome.

Release
The Knives of the Avenger was released theatrically in Italy on 30 May 1966. It received a theatrical release in the United States in January 1968. Knives of the Avenger was released on DVD by Image Entertainment on 26 June 2001.

Reception
Stuart Byron of Variety declared the film "a real surprise: a beautifully designed and exciting Viking tale from pseudonymous Mario Bava. Only subject and cast make this a programmer - but it's a top one."