Nylon Noose is a 1963 German Krimi mystery thriller film about a serial killer who threatens rich people using the titular murder weapon.
Directed by Austrian-born Rudolf Zehetgruber (Nessie, das verrückteste Monster der Welt; The Inn on Dartmoor; Piccadilly null Uhr zwölf; The Black Cobra) from a screenplay co-written by Fred Ignor and Thomas Engel. Produced by Erwin C. Dietrich and [uncredited] Joseph Roberts.
The Monachia Filmproduktion stars Dietmar Schönherr, Helga Sommerfeld, Laya Raki, Adi Berber, Gustav Knuth, Ernst Schröder, Kurt Beck, Hedda Ippen, Chris Van Loosen, Edi Huber and Alex Freihart.
Our view:
Whilst this isn’t a Rialto or CCC production, Nylon Noose nevertheless features many of the entertaining tropes associated with Krimi thrillers.
This mish-mash involves a tantalising nightclub act, flirtatious and illicit relationships, intrigue, greed, diaphanous nighties, overheard conversations via air vents, dodgily-acquired diamonds, a mad doctor, a hideous servant with a burnt face (Adi Berber), catacombs and even bizarre-looking mummies caused by the “strange substance in the air of this region”. What’s more, there’s a black-gloved serial killer who demands large sums of money from would-be well-to-do victims!
Unlike the ancestral piles in most Krimi films, Elford Manor – where most of the movie is set – actually looks architecturally English. That said, later brief shots outside a nightclub are clearly in Germany with no attempt to make the facades British. Overall, production values are slightly shoddy and Rudolf Zehetgruber’s direction is rather flat, displaying none of the stylishness that characterised the work of Krimi regulars Harald Reinl and Alfred Vohrer. The seemingly requisite comedic content is supplied by Masters, the inspector’s assistant.
Despite not being a top-notch Krimi, Nylon Noose is better than the weakest entries in the German mystery thriller sub-genre and certainly worth a look for fans. Adrian J Smith, MOVIES and MANIA
Other reviews:
” …it’s pretty standard issue […] The serial killer provides the horror content, though a “mad scientist” type character seems to play a role in it as well, and Ady Berber is always good for a glowering scare or two.” Fantastic Movie Musings and Ramblings
“This is an entertaining early krimi. Although not officially part of the Edgar Wallace series, it definitely has all the earmarks. The inspector shyly courts the leading lady, there’s a comic-relief assistant […] It has a creepy side, too, with the monstrous-looking heavy from Dead Eyes of London creeping around the caves under the mansion.” Goblin Haired Guy
Cast and characters:
Dietmar Schönherr … Inspector Eric Harvey
Helga Sommerfeld … Jane Stone
Laya Raki … Nicole
Adi Berber … Henry, Lord Elford’s assistant
Gustav Knuth … Charles Clifton
Ernst Schröder … G.B. Harrison
Kurt Beck … Donald Smith
Hedda Ippen … Mrs Mabel Wells
Chris Van Loosen … Marilin Wells
Edi Huber … O’Connor
Alex Freihart … Sir David Elford
Walter Kiesler … Van Dorn
Erwin Parker … Wilkins
Denys Seiler … Sergeant Masters
Gustav Kloster … Lord Elford
Original title:
Die Nylonschlinge
