Der Frosch mit der Maske

Self-entitled German Krimi this first movie lays out on conceive largely used in America on those serial theatre as "The Shadow" whereof had a hidden commander, "Vampire" French series from silent movie era, among other alike concept movies, thus the danish Rialto Film bought the copyrights from Edgar Wallace's novel and adapted to big screen in this debut picture that later will add up to 39 movies all made in Germany using the native actors and all happening take place in British island, mostly in London.

Also somehow it was a forerunner of Giallo genre later, the noirish style is blatantly in those fog London atmosphere, a slight expressionist as well on countless weirdo small characters and a massive use of these elements created a unique genre, actually a blending of several genres, the storyline follows the Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot and Jane Marple neither, in well-set Whodunit concept, this early movie has a bit confusing plot, but with a keen eye the audience soon catches the offer.

The hero is an American amateur detective who coming together with his exotic butler as sidekick and the fake deaf Scotland Yard's Inspector Elk a cunning elder man, all mixing a delightful offering that certainly will please all viewers.

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Resume: First watch: 2024 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.5.