Movie spotlight
The House of the Five Squirrels
Josef Houbička, the owner of the U pěti veverek apartment building in Malostran, is a kind and forgiving good man who allows himself to be ruthlessly oppressed by his proud wife, Filoména, and secretly fixes her problems with the tenants. He lends rent money to two poor painters and bribes offended maids just to keep the house quiet. He would like to restore the old soap factory in the house, but Filoména promotes more profitable garages. And since neither of them wants to back down, Houbička eventually leaves the house after one of the arguments. He makes friends with the innkeeper Pulec, who runs the not-so-prosperous inn At the Leaky Jug...
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Plot Summary
A wealthy industrialist lives in a mansion with his family and a strange staff. When a series of unsettling events and mysterious deaths begin to plague the household, a private investigator is brought in to uncover the dark secrets hidden within the mansion's walls. The investigation reveals a web of greed, betrayal, and psychological manipulation. The investigator must race against time to prevent further tragedy and expose the truth before becoming another victim.
Critical Reception
This early Edgar G. Ulmer film is a lesser-known but intriguing entry in the horror-mystery genre. While not widely celebrated upon release, it has garnered a cult following for its atmospheric tension and unsettling narrative. Critics at the time noted its B-movie production values but appreciated its attempts at suspense and its grim undertones.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its gothic atmosphere and suspenseful pacing.
Criticized for its low budget and occasional melodramatic moments.
Recognized as an interesting, albeit obscure, example of early psychological horror.
Google audience: Audience reception is scarce due to its limited distribution, but available commentary highlights its effectiveness as a mood piece despite its age and budget limitations. Some viewers find the plot predictable, while others appreciate its eerie charm.
Fun Fact
Despite its dark themes, the film's title is somewhat misleading as it does not prominently feature actual squirrels, but rather refers to a metaphorical or symbolic element within the narrative.
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