After the unexpected death of a rich relative, the reading of his will brings a motley crew of greedy family members to a mansion by the sea to collect.After the unexpected death of a rich relative, the reading of his will brings a motley crew of greedy family members to a mansion by the sea to collect.After the unexpected death of a rich relative, the reading of his will brings a motley crew of greedy family members to a mansion by the sea to collect.
Ángel Menéndez
- Lord Archibald Marian
- (as Ángel Meléndez)
Jesús Franco
- Andy
- (as J. Franco)
Dan van Husen
- Albert Pagan
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- Jesús Franco
- Edgar Allan Poe
- Edgar Wallace(uncredited)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaEdgar Wallace was not credited in this movie, but in an interview with a fan, director Jesús Franco admitted that he used one of Wallace's novels for this movie.
- Crazy creditsThe opening credits claim the story is an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cat and the Canary." There is no work by Poe with that title or plot. It is actually a play written in 1922 by John Willard, which was officially adapted to film in 1927, 1930 and 1979.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Featured review
🎬 The Killer's Night of Mayhem and Intrigue! 🎬
La noche de los asesinos, or Night of the Skull as it's known in English, is a 1974 giallo film directed by the prolific and controversial Jesús Franco. With a filmography ranging from erotic horror to exploitation, Franco is known for pushing boundaries, and this film is no exception.
The movie starts with a warning: "For God's sake, stay in your rooms and lock the doors!" This foreboding message sets the tone for what's to come-a suspenseful, bloody, and mysterious ride. The story unfolds with a series of murders, each more gruesome than the last, as the audience is left wondering: Who is this killer, and what is their motive?
Franco's signature style is on full display here, with a generous helping of his beloved elements: suspense, intrigue, and bloody mayhem. However, this film differs from his erotic horror classics. While it has hints of sleaze and features frequent collaborator Lina Romay, the film surprisingly lacks the gratuitous nudity and overt sexual themes that Franco is known for. Instead, it focuses on building a tense and eerie atmosphere.
The performances in La noche de los asesinos are a standout aspect. The actors, including Romay, deliver above-par portrayals, with the first murder sequence being a highlight. The look of the killer is effectively unnerving, and the ending delivers a surprise that, while unexpected, ties the story together.
However, the film is not without its drawbacks. The storyline, while engaging, may feel familiar to fans of the genre, and some viewers may find themselves predicting certain twists. Additionally, those expecting Franco's usual explicit content may be disappointed by the relatively restrained nature of this film in comparison.
In conclusion, La noche de los asesinos is a well-crafted thriller that showcases Franco's ability to create a suspenseful and intriguing narrative. While it may not reach the heights of his most acclaimed works, it is a solid addition to the giallo genre and a must-watch for fans of suspense and mystery.
The movie starts with a warning: "For God's sake, stay in your rooms and lock the doors!" This foreboding message sets the tone for what's to come-a suspenseful, bloody, and mysterious ride. The story unfolds with a series of murders, each more gruesome than the last, as the audience is left wondering: Who is this killer, and what is their motive?
Franco's signature style is on full display here, with a generous helping of his beloved elements: suspense, intrigue, and bloody mayhem. However, this film differs from his erotic horror classics. While it has hints of sleaze and features frequent collaborator Lina Romay, the film surprisingly lacks the gratuitous nudity and overt sexual themes that Franco is known for. Instead, it focuses on building a tense and eerie atmosphere.
The performances in La noche de los asesinos are a standout aspect. The actors, including Romay, deliver above-par portrayals, with the first murder sequence being a highlight. The look of the killer is effectively unnerving, and the ending delivers a surprise that, while unexpected, ties the story together.
However, the film is not without its drawbacks. The storyline, while engaging, may feel familiar to fans of the genre, and some viewers may find themselves predicting certain twists. Additionally, those expecting Franco's usual explicit content may be disappointed by the relatively restrained nature of this film in comparison.
In conclusion, La noche de los asesinos is a well-crafted thriller that showcases Franco's ability to create a suspenseful and intriguing narrative. While it may not reach the heights of his most acclaimed works, it is a solid addition to the giallo genre and a must-watch for fans of suspense and mystery.
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- MajesticMane
- Jun 26, 2024
Details
- Runtime1 hour 22 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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