Admittedly I still have many films of my Edgar Wallace collection boxset still to see, but so far "The Hunchback of Soho" was definitely the best. Perhaps due to this being the first Krimi to be filmed in refreshing colors, or perhaps because regular Eddi Arent for once doesn't depict the irritating comic relief guy. Or because, quite simply, it's a fast-paced and action-packed thriller with a compelling plot, intriguing characters and a handful of cool grisly murders. The principal storyline revolves around a beautiful young American girl who gets kidnapped by a criminal organization, so that they can replace with one of their own and collect the massive inheritance for which she came to London. There are several worthwhile sub plots as well, though. The crime ring keeps a bunch of young women locked up, for some reason. They are guarded by a dominatrix with a whip, tutored by a priest and enslaved to work in an underground laundromat. The titular hunchback is also a guard at the laundromat, and he mercilessly strangles the girls who attempt to escape. Worth seeing if you are a fan of krimi/euro-crime cinema.
5 Reviews
Edgar Wallace series running out of steam
SMK-431 March 1999
By 1966 the German series of Edgar Wallace films was running out of steam. There were preciously few new ideas ("make it in colour" isn't enough), so we have the usual good vs. evil battle, with some damsels in distress thrown in for good measure. An unusual twist, for the followers of the series, is that some of the regular comic-relief actors (Arent, Windeck, v. Meyerinck) are this time on the sinister side of things. This didn't work very well though - they make thoroughly unconvincing villains.
Crime drama or comedy?
Horst_In_Translation28 April 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Yes it is certainly nothing new that these German Edgar Wallace movies from the 1960s and 1970s always include a fair dose of humor and this one here takes it to the next level. Some of the supporting characters are written in such a way that it almost has a Theo Lingen touch of comedy and I am not only talking about the very final scene here of course. The sound effects are very much over the top as are the ways in which people theatrically die and occasionally they even make fun of the dramatic music. And honestly, I have to say that I think all this is pretty positive. But this is not because it adds a whole lot to the film, but because the dramatic and crime action in here is fairly uninteresting. The hunchback mentioned in the title is really just a minor character looking at how he does not have a lot of screen time. The real antagonist for almost the entire film is a Kevin Spacey lookalike. And back to the hunchback, his costume looks also pretty bad, although this may have been even intended in the sense of comedy once again as well. Director is Alfred Vohrer and he made several other Edgar Wallace films, not just this one from 50 years ago. The cast has not too many big names this time compared to other films from the series that have sometimes 3 or more actors that are still known today here in Germany. All in all, I give "Der Bucklige von Soho" a thumbs-down. I was not impressed by it, apart from some weirdly funny moments occasionally. Also the James Bond references feel very much off the mark if not copied uninterestingly.
'The Hunchback of Soho' is a kooky-kitsch delight from start to finish!
Weirdling_Wolf23 January 2014
To be entirely honest, A GREAT many of these predictably pulpy, Edgar Wallace Krimis can irksomely vacillate between sublimely skewed amusement and leaden tedium; fortuitously, this particularly audacious offering is excitingly directed by the highly skilful German filmmaker, Alfred Vohrer who, as always, keeps the bristling action ticking over at rewardingly delirious speeds! The pleasingly lurid plot is standard Wallace fare: a bizarre, conspicuously homicidal individual is killing nubile young women, and a considerable inheritance is involved. But the real kicker here is the truly astonishing and uber-funky burlesque score by acclaimed music maestro, Peter Thomas. I honestly believe a comprehensive appraisal of his scintillating soundtracks for film & TV is LONG overdue! Brimming over with bravura B-Movie incident, Edgar Wallace's colourful crime caper, 'The Hunchback of Soho' is a kooky-kitsch delight from start to finish, and it might remain my favourite Krimi! Alfred Vohrer I salute you!!!!
The Hunchback of Soho (1967)
trimbolicelia1 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Pretty good color late 60's West German-made. English-dubbed Edgar Wallace crime thriller. A group of ruthless, well-organized criminals keep young female delinquents and heiresses in a prison under hard labor, keeping them under control with hard labor, abuse, threats, forced prostitution and killings. Also on hand is a lurking giant with a hunch on his back. The Sinister Cinema DVD-R is very good quality though it has black bands all around the picture. Be nice if this film was released to regular DVD.
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