Again the Ringer (1965)

Overview
"Again the Ringer" is a German criminal offense thriller movie embeded in London and directed by Alfred Vohrer. Released in 1965, this edgy and suspense-packed movie is based upon Edgar Wallace's novel. The film centers on a distinguished criminal mastermind, referred to as 'The Ringer,' and his quest for revenge.

Main Plot
The film kicks off with Arthur Milton, alias 'The Ringer,' a famous criminal mastermind, who is believed to be dead. Nevertheless, it unfolds that he has been residing in Australia under the camouflage of a sheep herder. The story takes an extreme turn when he discovers that his sis was murdered by an English lawyer called Maurice Messer. Presumed dead by the world, The Ringer chooses to head back to London to retaliate on Messer.

Character Development
Maurice Messer (Walter Rilla) is represented as an untrustworthy legal representative who is associated with suspicious activities. He has a bodyguard, "Hutch", who attempts to secure Messer from the Ringer's impending attack. Another essential character is Chief Inspector Higgins (Joachim Fuchsberger), an earnest cop from Scotland Yard, who continuously investigates Messer for his dubious activities. His female, Cora Ann Milton, assists the Ringer perform his strategies successfully.

Knotted Plot
The Ringer sends Messer frightening notes, consequently making him paranoid about his possible death. Messer works with an all-woman's personnel, believing it would be nearly difficult for the Ringer to infiltrate his home while disguised as a lady. Unbeknownst to Messer, the Ringer has actually currently snuck in utilizing the real identity of Joyce 'Jill' Halliday, a female freshly appointed to his family staff.

Thrilling Conclusion
The Ringer, disguised as Jill, effectively manages to outsmart Messer and his bodyguard Hutch, while at the same time assisting Scotland Yard in discovering Messer's illegal activities. He likewise handles to retrieve a list of corrupt law enforcement officer who were on Messer's payroll. The climax is a potboiler, laden with suspense where the Ringer lastly divulges his real identity, causing Messer's death out of shock. The Ringer themselves dies soon after, due to a gunshot suffered throughout the last confrontation.

Technical Aspects and Reception
"Again the Ringer", just like every Alfred Vohrer film, is packed with dark humour, chilling suspense, a complicated plot and a tinge of melodramatic romance. The film's unique black and white photography and shadow results significantly boost the state of mind of suspense widespread throughout the story. It is one of Vohrer's most successful adaptions of an Edgar Wallace mystery novel.

Conclusion
"Again the Ringer" is a timeless example of German film noir translated by means of British settings, showcasing the battle of wits between a criminal mastermind and a corrupt lawyer. The film successfully stays real to Edgar Wallace's composed work of art, delivering suspense, drama, strategically intertwined plot lines and a climactic resolution befitting its pulp origins. The film is often applauded for its narrative design and the dazzling execution of inherently twisted characters.

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