While auteur Robert Siodmak is most remembered for noir thrillers like The Killers and Phantom Lady, he boasts an impressive overall filmography. 1957’s The Devil Strikes at Night demonstrates the director firing on all cylinders and makes for an unforgettable experience. Thanks to Kino Lorber, it's now widely available.
The film is based on the true story of accused killer Bruno Ludke (Mario Adorf). While he confessed to several killings, many believed he was innocent and pressured to admit to crimes he didn’t commit. War hero Axel Kersten (Claus Holm) is sent to investigate the killings and is also trying to clear the name of Willi Keun (Werner Peters), who was wrongfully imprisoned for one of the murders. Kersten deals with conniving Nazis, including the devilish Gruppenfuhrer Rossdorf (Hannes Messemer), as he uncovers a serial murder plot that ends with the capture of Ludke. During his investigation, Kersten develops a relationship with Helga Hornung (Annemarie Duringer), and ultimately realizes the search for the truth has terrifying consequences.
The Devil Strikes at Night is a curious cross-genre film. It isn’t simply a war story, as it combines elements of true crime, film noir, and romance to make for an unforgettable experience. Holm and Messemer light up the screen, and the film’s final ten minutes will truly leave their mark on viewers. The Devil Strikes at Night will strike a chord for any Sidomak fan.
This film would be a great addition to academic library collections focused on WWII history or the history of Germany, public as well as public library patrons who are true crime enthusiasts and fans of film noir. The Devil Strikes at Night would be suitable for a library public screening during Memorial or Veterans Day.