A stormy night forces various travelers to take shelter at the Black Raven Inn, a hostelry located near the Canadian border and run by Amos Bradford, aka the Raven (George Zucco), who is said to be able to smuggle those on the lam across the border. Among those cast together at the inn: an eloping …
Double Face (1969)
In the wake of his wife’s death in a suspicious car crash, a businessman (Klaus Kinski) explores a seedy scene and uncovers secrets about her — and suggestions that she may still be alive. What is really going on? A serviceable thriller, with Kinski effective as the lead. Mildly recommended. Otto judiciously thinks this movie …
The Five Billion Dollar Legacy (1970)
A billionaire confined to a wheelchair sends letters to three young women around the world, identifying them as his daughters and inviting them to visit him (with the prospect of inheriting his wealth dangling in front of them). Of course, no such gathering is without strife, and infighting and murder soon follow their arrival. But …
Read the full post →“<em>The Five Billion Dollar Legacy</em> (1970)”
Die blaue Hand (1967)
Murders committed by a strange figure with a metallic claw follow the escape of a man (Klaus Kinski) committed to an asylum after the murder of his gardener, which he consistently claims he did not do. Could the killer instead be one of the other members of the family: his mother, his twin, his other …
Comando de asesinos (1966)
Spies from various countries compete — and sometimes cooperate — to try to secure a scientist’s formula for specially hardened steel in this moderately entertaining but unmemorable Eurospy effort set in Lisbon. Mildly recommended. Otto judiciously thinks this movie is OK, but not great. Movie 277 for 2021.
Dark Streets of Cairo (Universal, 1940)
Stalwart Ralph Byrd and comic pal Eddie Quillan are archaeologists caught up in an investigation into a jewel robbery, for which a missing man is blamed, though Ralph has reason to hope it isn’t true, as he has fallen for the man’s daughter (Sigrid Gurie). Decent atmosphere is provided by the sets and photography, and …
Read the full post →“<em>Dark Streets of Cairo</em> (Universal, 1940)”
La bambola di Satana (1969)
A young woman (Erna Schurer) inherits a castle from her uncle but is urged to sell it, and various creepy — or simply odd — happenings, including murder, follow, in this fairly atmospheric Gothic thriller, also known as The Doll of Satan. Certainly not the best of this sort of movie, but a decent lead …
Der Mann mit dem Glasauge (1969)
This later German Edgar Wallace Krimi packs plenty of both action and humor into its running time, as Scotland Yard investigates murder tied to a nightclub, as well as drug dealing and human trafficking. Inspector Perkins (Horst Tappert) is the lead investigator; his boss, Sir Arthur (Hubert von Meyerinck) takes a hand from time to …
Read the full post →“<em>Der Mann mit dem Glasauge</em> (1969)”
Bulldog Drummond Comes Back (Paramount, 1937)
John Barrymore tops the cast and makes the most of his opportunities to shine as Colonel Neilson in this Bulldog Drummond movie, the first with John Howard in the role of Drummond, supported by Reginald Denny as Algy and E. E. Clive as Tenny. Drummond is the target of a plot by villains out for …
Read the full post →“<em>Bulldog Drummond Comes Back</em> (Paramount, 1937)”
Seven Deaths in the Cat’s Eyes (1973)
This Gothic-styled giallo, originally titled La morte negli occhi del gatto, features a series of killings around a visit by a young woman (Jane Birkin) to her weird family. It’s reasonably engaging, despite some tedious elements (a rebellious cousin, for example) and some oddities (e.g., the cousin has a gorilla). The titular cat is indeed …
Read the full post →“<em>Seven Deaths in the Cat’s Eyes</em> (1973)”