Movie spotlight
The Devil's Daughter
Garibaldi, after landing in Marsala, moves on to Naples. The liberals are overjoyed but the Bourbons are terrified. The so-called Baron Tucci, on a recommendation from England, arrives at the home of Count Sereni, a notable liberal. But he turns out not to be a patriot who has returned to Italy to take part in the fight but a degraded Bourbon official who has been promised rehabilitation if he can succeed as a spy. Tucci discovers old Sereni's second wife is one of his former lovers and persuades her to murder her husband so as to gain his inheritance. She does indeed cause the count to die, by withholding his heart medicine, but not before he destroys his will.
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Plot Summary
In this melodramatic tale set in Argentina, a former actress, now down on her luck, attempts to regain her status and wealth. She becomes entangled in a complex web of deceit, involving a young man she hopes to mold into a star and a dangerous criminal element. The narrative explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the dark side of the entertainment industry as she navigates treacherous social and criminal landscapes.
Critical Reception
The Devil's Daughter (La Hija del Embrujo) is a lesser-known film from director Edgar G. Ulmer, often overshadowed by his more acclaimed works. While its noir elements and melodramatic tone are present, it did not achieve widespread critical acclaim upon release, though it has garnered some interest from genre enthusiasts for its unique setting and performance by Maria Montez.
What Reviewers Say
A notable effort in the noir genre with an exotic setting.
Maria Montez delivers a commanding performance as the manipulative protagonist.
The film's melodrama and pacing can be uneven.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for 'The Devil's Daughter' is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was shot in Argentina and is one of Edgar G. Ulmer's few directorial efforts outside of Hollywood, showcasing his versatility in different cinematic environments.
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