"Der schwarze Abt" is a German black-and-white sound film from 1963, so this one is already over 50 years old as well. Writer and director is Franz Josef Gottlieb and he also worked on many other of these old Edgar Wallace films. Sadly, I must say, despite the title which sounds like a promising main antagonist, that this was a pretty boring and mediocre watch. Then again, I may be a bit biased in terms of the whole thing as I almost liked none of the Edgar Wallace films I watched and I saw almost all of them. This was probably a bit of a missed opportunity here as the cast includes quite a few big names, such as Blacky Fuchsberger, Borsche, Aren't, Boettcher and, last but not least, Klaus Kinski. But Kinski is already the perfect example of how mediocre these Wallace films are. He was definitely a gifted actor, but the characters he played in these films were extremely interchangeable, just like the whole stories and antagonists. I give "The Black Abbot" a thumbs-down. Not recommended.

A body is found on the grounds of an old abbey. In the near by manor house the administrator of the estate takes great pains to make sure that all is in order before the police are called. From there it spins out as a masked figure of an abbot begins to lurk, the financial standing of several people is called in question, treasure is sought and people die. Very good story is hampered by a lack luster presentation. The film seems more concerned with filling the screen with big screen images, unfortunately it doesn't really work. Shot in a widescreen black and white in a style that screams this should have been widescreen and color. Worse the film is so concerned with its look that the pacing becomes slack and what should have been an exciting film isn't, it never manages to generate any sense of danger needed to keep the audience on the edge of its seat. The flaw isn't fatal, the film is a good one, but in all honesty this could have been a great one if the producer and director had cared enough to realize that this is supposed to be an old dark house mystery. Worth a look if you run across it on cable but I wouldn't go beyond that (though I wish I could)

Atmospheric Edgar Wallace thriller, about a large treasure hidden in an old country estate. Several persons show up, who happen to be employed by the lord of the estate, but only to get their hands on the treasure. However, a black-hooded killer soon makes his entrance, and begins killing those who know the secret. This is one of the better Edgar Wallace thrillers I've seen to date, and features some really spooky scenarios.

Superior Edgar Wallace thriller.We have a spooky estate with a haunted abbey;there is of course The Black Abbot,madness,double crosses, triple crosses, a treasure and several murders tossed in to spice things off.What is unusual about this krimi is this really isn't a whodunit.You have to pay close attention to what is going on to stay abreast of the plot.So if you're looking to nod off find another movie.Nice night photography,great use of locations, a spooky ruins, great house and nice use of seemingly autumnal weather.Fast pacing and a good cast put this one near the top.Enjoy!