Search - The Strangler of Blackmoor Castle on DVD

A barely noteworthy foray into German horror...

Kenneth M. Pizzi | San Mateo, CA United States | 09/04/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Penned by Bryan Edgar Wallace, whose output was better realized in two other German "krimis" from the mid-60's, "The Phantom of Soho" and "The Monster of London City," this, unfortunately, is a weaker entry about a series of unusual characters and a series of murders involving an elusive Count, his beautiful reporter/daughter (Karin Dor) out to catch a prize-winning story, an odd landlord in a kilt whose hobby is taping birdcalls, and some uncut diamonds.

Although somewhat big on atmosphere, this film takes awhile to get going, and there are some scary bits--but not much. More for horror fans than those who enjoy the traditional German "krimi" suspense thrillers "whodunits."

Despite leads in several horror films and virtually unknown today, the lovely Ms. Dor would achieve her greatest role opposite John Vernon as Junaita de Cordoba, lover and spy (recruited by American agent John Forsythe), out to thwart the regime of Cuban dictator Rico Parra in Hitchcock's send up on the Cuban Missile Crisis, "Topaz" made in 1969."