Because it was directed by legendary German Director F.W. Murneau, most people on first thought expected a horror story. Preceding Murneau's more famous "Nosferatu" a year later it is actually an entertaining murder mystery. Except for a brief dream sequence, there are no horror elements in it at all.
A group of aristocrats have gathered at Castle Vogeloed for the fall hunt. Unfortunately, The weather outside has prevented the hunting party from going out. Into the comfortable setting comes Baron Johann Oetsch (Lothar Mehnert) who arrives uninvited. Instead of having him thrown out, host Baron von Vogelschrey (Arnold Korff) allows him to stay. Oetsch is suspected of having murdered his brother three years earlier. The gathering all believe in his guilt. Oetsch on the other hand wants to prove his innocence and expose the real murderer.
The group becomes nervous when Oetsch's brother's widow Baroness Sufferstatt (Olga Tschehowa) arrives on the scene with her new husband Baron Sufferstatt ((Paul Bildt). Tension builds. Also arriving, is a priest Father Faramound (Victor Bluetner) from Rome who is a friend of the family of the Baroness. She goes to him for council having a felling of guilt over her husband's murder.
She tells the priest in a flashback of the happy marriage between herself and Baron Peter Paul Oetsch (Paul Hartmann). At first they live happily ever after until the Baron goes away for a spell. He returns a bible thumping purist who becomes a distant boor to his wife. She longs for some "evil" in her life. She postpones their next session whereupon the priest suddenly disappears without a trace.
Meanwhile, Johann Oetsch hangs around much to the chagrin of Baron von Vogelschrey and his guests. Suddenly, the bearded friar returns unexpectedly. Baroness Safferstatt goes to him to confess her feelings and tell the cleric what really happened the night of her husband's murder with the understanding that he as a priest cannot reveal the contents of their conversation. But the wise Father Faramound has a secret as well and..............................................................................
Murneau offers some interesting set pieces in this story. tall ceilings, darkened corridors and the mystery of the unknown. The only problem I had was the use of an obvious miniature to depict Castle Vogeeloed. The solution to the crime provides an unexpected surprise ending. And Olga Tschehowa...........what a beautiful woman. She dominates the scenes in which she appears.
I loved this classic.
A group of aristocrats have gathered at Castle Vogeloed for the fall hunt. Unfortunately, The weather outside has prevented the hunting party from going out. Into the comfortable setting comes Baron Johann Oetsch (Lothar Mehnert) who arrives uninvited. Instead of having him thrown out, host Baron von Vogelschrey (Arnold Korff) allows him to stay. Oetsch is suspected of having murdered his brother three years earlier. The gathering all believe in his guilt. Oetsch on the other hand wants to prove his innocence and expose the real murderer.
The group becomes nervous when Oetsch's brother's widow Baroness Sufferstatt (Olga Tschehowa) arrives on the scene with her new husband Baron Sufferstatt ((Paul Bildt). Tension builds. Also arriving, is a priest Father Faramound (Victor Bluetner) from Rome who is a friend of the family of the Baroness. She goes to him for council having a felling of guilt over her husband's murder.
She tells the priest in a flashback of the happy marriage between herself and Baron Peter Paul Oetsch (Paul Hartmann). At first they live happily ever after until the Baron goes away for a spell. He returns a bible thumping purist who becomes a distant boor to his wife. She longs for some "evil" in her life. She postpones their next session whereupon the priest suddenly disappears without a trace.
Meanwhile, Johann Oetsch hangs around much to the chagrin of Baron von Vogelschrey and his guests. Suddenly, the bearded friar returns unexpectedly. Baroness Safferstatt goes to him to confess her feelings and tell the cleric what really happened the night of her husband's murder with the understanding that he as a priest cannot reveal the contents of their conversation. But the wise Father Faramound has a secret as well and..............................................................................
Murneau offers some interesting set pieces in this story. tall ceilings, darkened corridors and the mystery of the unknown. The only problem I had was the use of an obvious miniature to depict Castle Vogeeloed. The solution to the crime provides an unexpected surprise ending. And Olga Tschehowa...........what a beautiful woman. She dominates the scenes in which she appears.
I loved this classic.