punishmentpark
'Es Geschah...' has one really big problem, in my opinion: the lead character, policeman (or, at that that time, former policeman) Matthäi takes too big risks with the little child. Up until then, he has been a brilliant and feeling (police)man, and to let the child wander off alone on several occasions - making her a sitting duck for a perverted killer - is completely out of character. Beyond that, this was a fast paced, at times very atmospheric crime thriller concerning a daring subject for its time. The use of a psychiatrist looks to be something that may have inspired Hitchcock for 'Psycho', but I'm only guessing there. The opening with the peddler makes a clear statement, reminiscent (well, the other way around, really) of 'Jagten' (2012). The use of children's drawings and fantasy is, it's been said before, a terrific idea. And finally, the creating of a bad guy like Schrott, with his all that puppet play and such, as performed by Fröbe, is eerie as you'll not much see it.Still, I can't go any higher than a big 5 out of 10, on account of the lack of credibility beyond a certain point... such a shame.
JLRMovieReviews
An old man is rushing through the woods and stumbles over a dead girl's body. He rushes to the village to call the police. But what he didn't expect happens - he gets the blame for it, not only by police who interrogate mercilessly, but by his fellow villagers. He says he's innocent. But no one believes him, except the chief inspector, who's set to retire in a day or so. But this case consumes him, when it takes a dramatic turn. He takes it upon himself to find out more. So he befriends a lady and her little girl. But they do not know what he's up to. The lady helps him manage a small shop/gas station in the determined vicinity of the attacks. What will he find? What will find him? This is an excellent film, with astounding use of black and white in telling and showing the story. This was remade in 2001 by director Sean Penn with Jack Nicholson in the lead role and with a totally different ending and a more downbeat feel to it. I had already seen it and liked it, before I saw this; but now, I prefer this version. The subject matter may be a bit unsettling to parents, but the treatment is first rate and with very believable dubbed American words. If you miss this relatively unknown foreign film, you've missed one of the best of its kind.
kelly-martino
Truly one of the superlative thriller/mystery films of all time. I saw it in the original German on Austria TV and it is still gripping. I thought it is so Hitchcockian then I realized the musical technique--the sudden loud shrieks in the orchestra--at the moment of contact with the killer, his house and the car. This is Psycho. The film mood and pace is Psycho. Then again, I realized the film and the Broadway play which received Tony nomination were both celebrated shortly before Psycho was made. Could it be that Hitch made the perfect horror film as a paean to this great masterpiece. One of the few films of the genre I will set next to Hitchcock and it does indeed hold its place superbly. Can any compliment be higher. If you love Hitchcock as I do, you must get the film--the original German print of 1958 not the TV version and not the American remake with Nicholson, as fine as it is. If you understand German watch it first that way. Unforgettable.
superhavi
The story of the perverted child murderer SCHROTT (Fröbe) and his hunter MATTHAEI (Rühmann) is still thrilling and frightening. The present events ensure that the story remains current. Fröbe and Rühmann can show their acting skills (what they were not always allowed to do).To keep it short:Ingenious actors in a great film, which is based on a great book, that was written by an ingenious author.I'm waiting for the Hollywood-remake.
AD
