4K Ultra HD Assessment – Murders in the Rue Morgue (1971)

      Murders in the Rue Morgue, 1971.

      Directed by Gordon Hessler.

      Featuring Jason Robards, Herbert Lom, Christine Kaufmann, Adolfo Celi, Lilli Palmer, Maria Perschy, and Brooke Adams.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Set in Paris at the turn of the century, Inspector Vidocq investigates a series of mysterious murders taking place at a Grand Guignol-style theatre, where the performers have mysteriously become actual victims. Edgar Allan Poe's classic 1841 short story, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, had previously been adapted by Universal in 1932, featuring Bela Lugosi in a version that altered the original tale by incorporating a mad scientist alongside the horror of a killer ape. By 1971, audiences were familiar with the original narrative, prompting director Gordon Hessler and writer Christopher Wicking to introduce a fresh twist by transforming the tale into a murder mystery centered on a play-within-a-play. They removed the horror element of a real ape, instead presenting the actors performing Poe's story in a Grand Guignol style on a Parisian stage in the early 20th century.

      However, the actor meant to don the ape costume has been murdered with acid. The character now in the costume is Rene Marot (Herbert Lom), whose former lover is the mother of Madeleine (Christine Kaufmann), the actress unknowingly performing with him on stage. Marot, presumed dead after a stage incident involving real acid, returns seeking vengeance against Madeleine and her husband, theatre director Cesar Charron (Jason Robards), by eliminating the entire acting troupe. Meanwhile, the determined Inspector Vidocq (Adolfo Celi) pursues the case, beginning his investigation with suspicions directed towards Cesar.

      Murders in the Rue Morgue bears more resemblance to Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera than to Poe’s works, presenting itself as a convoluted film that introduces excessive external influences, preventing it from forming a coherent murder mystery. Although the ultimate revelation may prompt the viewer to exclaim, "Oh, that’s who did it," the journey to that point can be tedious. Without the engaging presence of Adolfo Celi as the Columbo-like Inspector Vidocq—who was inspired by Eugène-François Vidocq, a real-life 18th-century former criminal turned criminologist, and whose life influenced Edgar Allan Poe and Victor Hugo—the film would feel as arid and joyless as the current heatwave in the UK.

      The absence of humor is further highlighted considering that Vincent Price was initially Gordon Hessler's preferred choice for the role of Cesar Charron. Due to alleged contractual issues with AIP, the role was instead given to Jason Robards, a talented actor not widely recognized for horror films, lacking the maniacal charm that Price commonly brought to his performances. Herbert Lom excels at embodying brooding intensity, though he feels underutilized. Aside from Celi’s charming yet shrewd portrayal, very little in Murders in the Rue Morgue seems to align, both in narrative and tone. At least one too many dream sequences, flashbacks, and premonitions contribute to a confusing experience as characters believed to be dead suddenly reappear, engaging in dialogues as if they are still part of the narrative, creating an impression that the film has been disassembled and reassembled in a haphazard manner.

      Despite its shortcomings, Murders in the Rue Morgue is visually appealing, featuring striking set designs and costumes. The 4K UHD presentation, while not the finest for a film of its era, still offers considerable detail and vibrant colors. The disc includes an archival interview with Gordon Hessler and insights from expert Kim Newman. Additionally, it presents both Hessler’s Director’s Cut and the AIP Theatrical Cut, each possessing their respective merits and drawbacks, yet neither significantly alters the viewing experience, which remains one of a rather dull and procedural film that likely wouldn't have received such a polished restoration if not for the Hammer Presents… label.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★

      Chris Ward