Search - Dead Eyes of London/The Ghost on DVD

Finally, a good print of "Dead eyes!"

Steven Phillips | Ada, OK United States | 01/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"German cinema has always been interesting. During the 1960s, a genre developed in Munich based largely upon the mystery-thriller writings of British author, Edgar Wallace (who did the screenplay for King Kong), or his son, Bryan Edgar Wallace. This genre is called "krimi" (crime drama), and is characterized by complex, convoluted plots with several simultaneous cross-currents occurring - all of which get resolved in the last five minutes of the film. Also, the films all have excellent, jazzy scores composed by such musical luminaries as Peter Thomas and Gert Wilden. The cast usually included a selection of Joachim Fuchsberger, Heinz Drache, Karin Dor, Senta Berger, Werner Peters, Eddi Arent, and Klaus Kinski. Viewers either love these films for being fascinating, or revile them for being confusing - they are seldom dull. There is a reasonably large, worldwide cult following for these films, and I must confess that I am a member.

"Dead eyes" is one of the better films of the krimi genre and features the international star, Joachim "Blackie" Fuchsberger. It is a fast-paced story with several intertwined plots, of which the main one is about a gang of blind assassins who are murdering rich people all of whom are insured by the same insurance company. The initial suspense level is sustained throughout the entire film by means of expert direction and superb acting. The film's mood is dark and brooding and creates an empty, alienated, and invasive atmosphere. No - this movie does not meet the cinematic standard established by "Gone with the wind," however, if you are a fan of what is called "Eurotrash," you will probably like this film. While the print quality is less than pristine and tends to be slightly on the soft side, it is better than "pretty good" and is likely the best quality reprint that is available now or will be in the future.

Also, the Barbara Steele film, "Ghost," is great! This is truly a DVD worth adding to your 1960s mystery-thriller collection."