Hand of Power

Hand of Power, also known by its original German title "Der Gorilla von Soho", is a captivating crime thriller that was released in 1968, directed by Alfred Vohrer and based on a novel by Edgar Wallace. This movie is one of the many Edgar Wallace movies produced by Rialto Film and is a part of the cinematic tradition known as 'krimi', derived from the German word 'kriminalfilm'/ 'kriminalroman'. The film stars Joachim Fuchsberger, a recognized figure in the realm of German cinema, along with Hubert von Meyerinck and Siw Mattson.

Hand of Power is set in the heart of London amidst bustling streets and antiquated architecture, characterizing the style of the 1960s cinema with vivid colors and eccentric music, making it an essential part of the film's charm. The film takes the audience through a riveting mystery revolving around a series of cryptic murders.

Joachim Fuchsberger plays a Scotland Yard detective, Inspector David Perkins, who’s tasked with the fascinating and challenging mission of formulating a pattern from the seemingly unrelated and random crimes happening across London. The victims don't seem to have an obvious connection, they are strangled, and each one found with a small gorilla-shaped charm that unfolds an eerie new perspective to the plot.

Hubert von Meyerinck portrays the role of Sir Arthur, Inspector Perkins' superior, with Siw Mattson playing a character named Nora Ward, who becomes significant as the story progresses. Meyerinck's charismatic and oftentimes comedic character add an enjoyable contrast to the otherwise suspenseful and dark tones of the story.

The thrilling sequences depicted by Fuchsberger are masterfully executed, making it a must-watch for fans of the mystery genre. The narrative is refined and propels forward at a pace fast enough to keep audiences hooked but slow enough to build suspense. His nuances, showing the struggle of a detective trying to piece together a complex puzzle, create an overriding tension that binds the different subplots together and drives the narrative forward.

Hubert von Meyerinck gives a meticulously timed performance as Sir Arthur, whose eccentric behaviors add an injection of humor that makes the atmosphere more relaxed. Siw Mattson's character, Nora, is a Swedish model whose tendency to find herself in tight spots becomes a recurring theme, and Mattson successfully portrays her character's vulnerability with an understated determination.

Production-wise, the film maintains an aura of the 1960s German crime cinema with its vivid cinematography by Karl Löb that adds to the film's atmosphere and tone. Beyond its picturesque locales in London, the film also takes advantage of the interiors of some Victorian-era buildings to create an ideal backdrop against the unfolding mystery.

Moreover, the keen attention to detail, for instance, capturing the period costumes and artifacts, sets the tone right for the narrative while transporting the audience back in time. The film also attributes its unique charm to its blend of suspense and comic relief.

The soundtrack is another asset to the film, offering an unusually catchy theme tune that is effectively used to amp up the suspense as the narrative unfolds, thereby establishing the right atmosphere for the crime thriller. The occasional jazz undertones not only cater to the taste of the then-contemporary audience but also serve as an archetypal relic of the late-60s.

In conclusion, Hand of Power is not just another proliferation of the classic crime genre. It's a visual and narrative treat for whodunit enthusiasts with its compelling storyline, well-rounded characters, and striking execution. It might not be an edge of the seat thriller, but it inspires interest and intrigue, making it a delightful watch. With Joachim Fuchsberger's imposing 'krimi' presence, Hubert von Meyerinck's impressive comic timing, and Siw Mattson's refreshing yet mysterious charm, this film provides an interesting dynamic that leaves the audience guessing until the end. A must-watch for every old-school suspense mystery lover!