Famed middle-aged Parisian detective Henri Cassin (Steven Geray) takes his first vacation in eleven years. He needs it badly. While Henri is relaxing at a small village inn known as The Black Horse (Le Cheval Noir), he meets the innkeepers' daughter, Nanette (Micheline Cheirel), who is thrilled to make the acquaintance of such a famous person.
Before long Henri and Nanette fall in love. A complication is that Nanette is supposed to be betrothed to a local farmer, Leon, a jealous man (Paul Marion). Although Nanette is much younger than Henri, the two become engaged as Nanette is excited to be moving to the glamor of Paris. Although her mother strongly approves of the relationship, the father deeply objects and favors Leon. Leon becomes more vocal and threatens Henri; then the bodies begin to pile up. First a hunchback sees Nanette found dead in a river (strangled). Then the hunchback finds the main suspect, Leon, deceased in a shed. Shortly after, the body of Nanette's mother is discovered in the kitchen. The only clues are a footprint and notes written by the killer. So the detective has more work instead of a vacation, and tries to obtain some help from Paris. Before the end there will be another casualty. Although the culprit's name is not provided in this review, note that the suspect list is rather short and the psychological ending is a little surprising.
The photography and mood are fine, although the budget is very low. The unknown French cast is about average, while the script is a little weak. Actress Micheline Cheirel appears far too old for her part as Nanette while the stars are not particularly appealing. This is a "B" movie all the way.
Before long Henri and Nanette fall in love. A complication is that Nanette is supposed to be betrothed to a local farmer, Leon, a jealous man (Paul Marion). Although Nanette is much younger than Henri, the two become engaged as Nanette is excited to be moving to the glamor of Paris. Although her mother strongly approves of the relationship, the father deeply objects and favors Leon. Leon becomes more vocal and threatens Henri; then the bodies begin to pile up. First a hunchback sees Nanette found dead in a river (strangled). Then the hunchback finds the main suspect, Leon, deceased in a shed. Shortly after, the body of Nanette's mother is discovered in the kitchen. The only clues are a footprint and notes written by the killer. So the detective has more work instead of a vacation, and tries to obtain some help from Paris. Before the end there will be another casualty. Although the culprit's name is not provided in this review, note that the suspect list is rather short and the psychological ending is a little surprising.
The photography and mood are fine, although the budget is very low. The unknown French cast is about average, while the script is a little weak. Actress Micheline Cheirel appears far too old for her part as Nanette while the stars are not particularly appealing. This is a "B" movie all the way.