Creature with the Blue Hand

Creature with the Blue Hand is a German murder mystery and horror film, directed by Alfred Vohrer and based on the Edgar Wallace novel "The Blue Hand" or "The Bloody Hand." Released in 1967, it stars Harald Leipnitz, Klaus Kinski, and Carl Lange, among others, in a story that is enshrouded in darkness, suspense, and a series of grotesque killings.

Klaus Kinski plays dual roles as twins, one of whom is David, the troubled main character who becomes the primary suspect in a series of murders surrounding his family's estate. The twins are distinctly different in nature, with one being a calm artist and the other harboring dangerous and aggressive tendencies. The film opens on a foreboding note, with the landscape around the castle setting an eerie atmosphere, priming viewers for the chilling events that will unfold.

The plot is center around the legend of a mysterious figure known as the Creature with the Blue Hand. This nefarious character is known for committing murders while wearing a distinctive blue glove outfitted with steel claws, which becomes a significant symbol throughout the film. The weapon of choice is not only unique but also instills a deep-rooted fear and panic in the castle's inhabitants and the surrounding community.

Harald Leipnitz plays Inspector Craig, a determined yet puzzled law enforcement officer charged with solving the series of brutal killings that have occurred. He must navigate a web of deceit, investigate secret passageways, hidden doorways, and family secrets to find the truth.

Carl Lange takes on the role of a family patriarch, a figure who carries the weight of the family’s secretive past and strives to maintain their noble lineage amidst the chaos and fear brought about by the murders.

As the film progresses, the stakes are raised, and David, recently escaped from a mental institution, must prove his innocence against mounting evidence and societal presumption. His history of mental instability and the circumstances of his escape make him a prime suspect in the eyes of the Inspector and the other characters.

The backdrop of the film is a classic gothic estate, filled with dark corridors, stone walls, and large ancestral portraits that watch over the gloomy atmosphere. The setting plays a crucial role in establishing the mood of the film, where each shadow and echo could hide a secret or an impending threat. It's a world where the border between the sane and the insane is blurred, and where a long-deceased family member’s will has set in motion a deadly game that draws all the characters into its fold.

Creature with the Blue Hand employs a mix of detective-story tropes with gothic horror elements, creating a blend that is both intriguing and terrifying. Audience members follow the Inspector’s investigation closely, as he interrogates a host of characters, each with their own motives, alibis, and dark secrets, some of which are tied to the family's complicated history. The film delivers a series of red herrings and twists that keeps the viewers guessing until the very end.

Throughout the film, Kinski's performance stands out, as his portrayal of the twins is both captivating and chilling. His ability to display a range of intense emotions—from fear, anger, to despair—gives depth to his characters and enhances the dark and foreboding atmosphere of the narrative. His interactions with the other characters are fraught with tension and ambiguity, enhancing the psychological complexity of the plot.

The traditional motifs of gothic horror are ever-present in Creature with the Blue Hand: thunderstorms, candlelit rooms, and clandestine meetings all serve to create a sense of impending doom. The musical score further amplifies the suspense, with its haunting melodies that rise and fall with the unfolding drama.

The movie's pacing is deliberate, allowing the story to unfold in layers, as viewers are introduced to various suspects, witness strange occurrences, and learn more about the dark history of the family and its castle. The effective use of shadows and light accentuates the suspenseful moments, making the sudden appearances of the Creature with the Blue Hand even more shocking and impactful.

Without venturing into details that would reveal the film's resolution, Creature with the Blue Hand is notable for its final act, which seeks to resolve the mystery that’s been carefully constructed throughout the film. The conclusion, as is characteristic of Edgar Wallace mysteries, aims to not only reveal the killer but also tie together loose ends that have been scattered throughout the narrative.

For fans of classic horror and mystery films, Creature with the Blue Hand stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of atmospheric storytelling, driven by strong performances, and bolstered by a mix of intrigue, suspense, and gothic horror aesthetics. It's a movie that transports the viewer to another time, where the resolution of a deadly and dark mystery lies just on the other side of fear.