The Mysterious Magician (1964)

"Der Hexer" or "The Wizard" is a German black-and-white film from over 40 years ago and it is another Edgar Wallace adaptation. Director Vohrer and writer Reinecker worked on several of these and there are more typical feature for this film. Lead actor is Joachim "Blacky" Fuchsberger who is in the hunt of a dangerous killer again. Damsel in distress is Sphie Hardy this time and as usual the identity of the killer is not revealed until the very end. The film runs really short for films from the Wallace series, barely makes it to the 80-minute-mark. I have seen a few of these films recently and I have to say they don't do a whole lot for me. The stories are usually unrealistic and it is never edge-of-seat material. In this one, there are a couple baffling moments too, for example when a whole lot of policemen let the suspect just run out of the door in the end. Distracted by a woman shooting blanks? Really? I don't buy it. Another aspect: Early on it is told us that all the Hexer wants is his revenge and yet he tries to kill the investigators on several occasions, for example with a poisonous snake? Doesn't make sense. Like a couple other things in this film. The only reason why this film is so popular and way higher rated than it should be (also here on IMDb) is maybe because its unusual ending (the bad triumphs somewhat). But this ending really only happens because the detectives turned out to be complete idiots, including Fuchsberger's who is depicted as the smartest all the time before and in other Wallace films too. I cannot believe it. This was not even a remotely good film. Not recommended.

The first series of replays of the German Edgar Wallace i did see as a child and i have loved it ever since (at least the top items, where this one and "Der Zinker" are top notch. Very much German style British made, this is always still suspense, thrill, charming ladies and light entertainment perfectly combined. And we all know things will end well as they must in 60s movies in Germany of this Wirtschaftswunder era. It is reliably replayed in Germany in series by the multiple stations, where the reels seem to be rotate around, don't miss it if you can get it (forgo the latter, especially the colored ones. What was won in color was more then lost in suspense and coolness).

The best Krimi films are based on a novel by English crime writer Edgar Wallace and directed by prolific German director Alfred Vohrer; and Der Hexer boasts the inclusion of both. Thanks to a thrilling narrative and some interesting lead characters - this film is clearly one of the best of the genre. Der Hexer roughly translates into English as 'The Magician' and the title alludes to the central character - a highly cunning criminal with the ability to baffle police through the use of trickery and disguises. The film begins with the murder of a young girl; whom we later discover is the sister of the aforementioned master criminal. When this comes to the attention of the police, naturally they expect 'The Magician' to return to London for revenge and so begin an investigation in order to catch the criminal. The Magician is indeed plotting to kill off those responsible for the death of his sister and comes to London with this agenda; facing the murderers themselves and the best detectives of Scotland Yard.What really makes this film great is the plot line; which is as cunning and clever as the lead character. Alfred Vohrer deftly handles the story, which is streamlined and features no filler, and ensures that the film is exciting and interesting at all times. There are several twists and turns throughout the plot (the mostly unseen lead character providing most of the entertainment) and the film never dries up or becomes boring. As is usually the case, the story takes place in London and the director does well at establishing the atmosphere of the city, which bodes well with the plot line. The plot works in such a way that eventually everyone comes under suspicion of being the murderer and this helps a lot when it comes to generating the suspense. Naturally all these twists and turns need a good twisted ending to wrap everything up; and Der Hexer certainly does not disappoint in that respect. The ending is very well done and provides some surprises. Overall, this is an excellent entry in the Krimi genre and comes recommended.

German version of the often filmed Edgar Wallace story called the Ringer. I saw another version of this story a few months back titled The Gaunt Stranger, which was a nifty little film. Here we have the story redone as part of the cycle of Wallace films and its been updated to the 1960's.The plot has the criminal known as the Ringer returning to London to get revenge for the death of his sister. the police want the Ringer for long ago crimes and know that he is not one to be trifled with. As the Ringer zeroes in on his target, the police attempt to figure out who the ringer is, he's been too long from London and no one knows who he is, except his wife and she isn't saying.A good version of the story it pales in comparison to the Gaunt Stranger which was so good that even when you figured out what was going on you doubted that you were right. Here things are more amusing than anything else and you're only hope to know who the Ringer is was to see an earlier version. Recommended if you run across it, but not something to search out.