The Monster of Blackwood Castle

The Monster of Blackwood Castle (Der Hund Von Blackwood Castle) (1968)

Runtime: 92 minutes

Directed by: Alfred Vohrer

Starring: Heinz Drache, Karin Baal, Horst Tappert, Siegfried Schurenberg, Agnes Windeck

From: Rialto Film

I’ve reviewed the West German krimi movies before, whether or not they were during past Spooky Seasons; however, one wasn’t seen last fall so now seemed like a swell time for the first one I’ve ever seen from the late 60’s… and one where it was based on an Edgar Wallace short story (as most of them were) along with The Hound of the Baskervilles.

What an opening: in a forest enveloped w/ a choking fog, a random man is walking when he hears a howling dog then is chased by a Doberman, whom then attacks. Then, a hilarious opening credits song (in English) sung by someone apparently doing a Screamin’ Jay Hawkins impression. Hopefully he didn’t sire a few dozen children like Hawkins did! The score was thankfully groovy throughout. The estranged daughter of a rich dude inherits the nominal castle. It’s the appropriate creepy affair; during her first night, Jane carries around a candelabra and witnessed macabre events during a dark & stormy night. This includes snakes, an unexpected theme this Spooky Season.

The Hound of Blackwood Castle (replace “Hound” w/ “Monster,” “Strangler,” “Horror,” and probably a few other words… and that’s just the film’s English titles) presents a huge panoply of characters-they’re all juggled successfully and the viewer should pay attention-not that the movie is overly complex or impenetrable. There is a simple explanation for why many people arrive at Blackwood Castle; even with no shortage of plot twists, the movie is not difficult to comprehend. A little improbable, perhaps… but not difficult, and a lot of fun. To be frank, that describes most krimi movies.

There’s humor, which usually lands; that blends well with the mystery aspect-that’s stronger than the horror vibes, despite the spooky elements. The forests, the Gothic sets, the macabre moments, wacky characters (especially the proprietors of the inn and the regulars at the attached pub)… nice for this time of year. Whatever you call this motion picture, it was pretty good.