Le Château des chiens hurlants

I have to admit that I don't know a great deal about Krimi creator Edgar Wallace, but I would guess that he's a fan of Sherlock Holmes; as this film takes obvious influence from the classic story 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. It's not a direct rip-off, however (despite several similarities) and it has to be said that once again the German writer has created an inventive and off the wall story that is sure to delight mystery fans. The film begins with an amusing pop song played over the credits. As the title suggests, the bulk of this film takes place in an around the grounds of an old castle named Blackwood Castle. There's a problem in the area as several people have turned up dead - but the police can't work if they've been killed by a dog or died from snake venom. The owner of Blackwood Castle has passed away and so his daughter has come to claim the castle; but she is hassled by a stream of visitors who seem extremely interested in the castle. Also added into the mix are an insurance investigator and a couple of Scotland Yard detectives.

The film is set in England and despite the fact that everyone speaks German; the film does actually have a British feel to it. The thing I like most about the Krimi genre is undoubtedly the style of it and once again director Alfred Vohrer has created a beautiful world for the film to take place in full of rich colours and grandiose locations. The film was obviously shot on a budget, but that's not a big problem. The mystery itself can get a bit messy, but there's always plenty going on and the film easily fills its ninety minute running time. In fact, it's quite unbelievable the range of characters that have somehow been fitted into this film! It does have to be said that the story is not as wacky as some other films in the genre, but there's still plenty of odd goings on; the whole deal with the murders and the dog is a particularly imaginative highlight! The film is clearly not meant to be taken 100% seriously, and indeed the script does allow for some humour, which actually works well with the plot. It all boils down to an entertaining conclusion that somewhat makes sense; and although this film is not for everyone, it is very entertaining and I'm sure Krimi fans will enjoy it!

Exciting, funny and good acting. The end, or the resolution, however, has a much faster pace than the rest and thus seems quite hasty.

The regulars of Rialto's color series in the Wallace line return in different roles. Heinz Drache is not with Scotland Yard. He's an insurance investigator. Horst Tappert is not a chief inspector and is a shady dude with ties to the owner of the castle. Sir John (Siegfried Shurenberg) and Miss Finley are themselves but have more scenes. As usual in the series. Miss Finley's buttocks are constantly fondled by the old letch, something she squealingly accepts without protest. Karin Baal from Dark Eyes of London plays the heir to the castle. There's lots of snakes in this entry as there was in The Blue Hand but no super criminal dressed in a cumbersome costume. The ever mysterious Uta Levka contributes her ever mysterious presence. The cinematography is excellent as usual but the plot is so absurd and goofy the entire film is a self-aware parody. A great deal of patience will be needed to watch this in one sitting unless you are trapped in a theater setting.

Of all the Edgar Wallace Krimi-flicks I've seen thus far, and admittedly there are quite a few still left, "The Hound of Blackwood Castle" is definitely my favorite one. And yet, I had some doubts at first, because the title and premise initially made it look as if it would be a light-version of the legendary "The Hound of the Baskervilles" tale. Of course, I should have known that Edgar Wallace is a respectable and original writer himself, who doesn't need to copy ideas from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Two things make "The Hound of Blackwood Castle" really good. For starters, it's an up-tempo Krimi without a single dull moment. Contrary to several others in the series, the plot is engaging from start to finish, with the exact right number of characters, surprising plot-twists, ingenious death traps & killing methods, and self-aware humor. The other, and possibly even more important strongpoint is the absence of certain actors and the annoying stereotypes they always portray. As much as I love Klaus Kinski (he's one of my favorite actors of all times), it's a relief he doesn't star in his usual role of silent but ultimately evil sidekick for once. An even bigger relief is the non-starring of Eddi Arent. He always plays the hopelessly clumsy fool who has to provides laughs. Siegfried Schürenberg takes over the role of the fool, as the self-indulgent head of Scotland Yard, and his humor works.

The plot is lovely, with a whole of people - one more sinister than the next - gathering in and around the titular Blackwood castle, in search of something that must be very valuable. Those that come close, or maybe not even at all, are attacked and killed by a monstrous dog with vampire teeth; - for real!