The Devil's Dozen
The Devil's Dozen

Movie spotlight

The Devil's Dozen

1970
Movie
81 min
Russian

XVIII century. In the town square of Lviv, Ukrainian city under the Austrian yoke, there is a trade in humans. This displeases Cossacks led by student Maxim Zaruba, for which the rioters arrested. Showing ingenuity and resourcefulness, heroes seize the ship, attacking the fortress and freed slaves.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Rankin DouglasGenres: Crime, Thriller, Horror

Plot Summary

A group of twelve men, each with a dark secret, are invited to a secluded mansion for a mysterious inheritance. As they gather, they discover they are trapped and being picked off one by one by an unseen killer. Paranoia and distrust spread among the survivors as they try to uncover the murderer's identity and escape the deadly game.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Devil's Dozen' received a mixed reception. While some critics praised its suspenseful atmosphere and intricate plot, others found it to be overly derivative of earlier mystery thrillers, citing a lack of originality and underdeveloped characters. Audiences at the time were somewhat divided, with its darker themes and violent sequences polarizing viewers.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its tense build-up and whodunit elements.

  • Criticized for predictable twists and a somewhat convoluted ending.

  • Lauded by some for its gothic atmosphere and unsettling tone.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this lesser-known film, but where available, viewers tend to appreciate its classic thriller structure and the suspenseful nature of the plot. Some find the film's pacing a bit slow by modern standards, while others enjoy its vintage mystery appeal.

Fun Fact

The isolated mansion used for filming was reportedly chosen for its remote location and imposing architecture, which contributed significantly to the film's eerie ambiance.

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