Murders in the Rue Morgue Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A theatrical troupe performing a Poe play discovers real-life acid attacks and axes are better than bad reviews, especially when a ‘dead’ guy with a mask is involved, confusing everyone, including the audience, about who’s the real phantom.

🍿 Murders in the Rue Morgue: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Grand Guignol Setting

The film opens in early 20th-century Paris, focusing on Cesar Charron, a theatrical impresario who owns a Grand Guignol-style theater on Rue Morgue. His troupe specializes in macabre and shocking horror plays, with their most popular production being an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘Murders in the Rue Morgue’. Cesar’s young wife, Madeleine, is the star of the show, but she is increasingly plagued by distressing and vivid nightmares involving a mysterious axeman.

A String of Acid Murders

The boundary between stage horror and reality blurs as a series of brutal murders begins to occur, targeting individuals connected to Cesar’s theater and his past. The victims are disfigured with acid, echoing the horrific nature of the plays performed. Inspector Vidocq, a seasoned detective, takes on the perplexing case, with suspicion quickly falling on Rene Marot, Cesar’s former partner. Marot was believed to have died years prior after a violent incident involving Madeleine’s mother.

Madeleine’s Haunting Dreams

As the murders escalate, Madeleine’s recurring nightmares intensify, seemingly offering cryptic clues to the escalating horror. These dream sequences are surreal and visually striking, hinting at a traumatic past event that links her mother’s death to the current wave of violence. The investigation delves deeper into the convoluted history between Cesar, Madeleine, and the supposedly deceased Rene Marot, suggesting a complex web of revenge and hidden truths.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cesar Charron (Jason Robards): The owner and lead actor of a Grand Guignol theater whose troupe members become targets of a mysterious, vengeful killer.
• Madeleine Charron (Christine Kaufmann): Cesar’s young wife and the lead actress, who is plagued by recurring, vivid nightmares seemingly connected to the ongoing murders.
• Rene Marot (Herbert Lom): Cesar’s disfigured former partner, believed dead, who is the primary suspect behind the vengeful acid attacks on the theater troupe.
• Inspector Vidocq (Adolfo Celi): The determined Parisian police inspector investigating the brutal acid murders connected to Cesar Charron’s theater.
• Mrs. Charron (Lilli Palmer): Madeleine’s deceased mother, whose past murder by Rene Marot years ago is a central mystery and the root of Madeleine’s recurring nightmares.
• Pierre Triboulet (Michael Dunn): A sinister and enigmatic dwarf who serves as a loyal but disturbing associate to the masked killer, Rene Marot.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rene Marot: “Yes, Madeleine. There stands the axe-man of your dreams.” – Said by the mysterious Rene Marot to Madeleine, hinting at his connection to her recurring, dreadful nightmares.
• Pierre Triboulet: “An ancestor of mine was a court jester!” – The dwarf character Pierre Triboulet proudly declares his unusual lineage when discussing his background.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $700,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Murders in the Rue Morgue Reviews

Personal Review

I was genuinely intrigued by ‘Murders in the Rue Morgue,’ especially because I’m a big fan of gothic horror and the unique flair of old AIP films. This one really leaned into the Grand Guignol setting, and the vivid, almost psychedelic dream sequences for Madeleine were unexpectedly captivating. They added a layer of surreal dread that I found surprisingly effective. While it deviates quite a bit from Poe’s original tale, which some purists might ‘rue,’ I appreciated its embrace of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ vibes, with Herbert Lom’s masked presence being a standout. It felt like stepping into a bizarre, shadowy carnival in 19th-century Paris, and the acid attacks were certainly a nasty touch. It’s a film that sticks with you, even if it’s a bit of a slow burn.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic gothic horror films”
  • “Viewers interested in ‘Phantom of the Opera’-style narratives”
  • “Enthusiasts of American International Pictures (AIP) horror productions”
  • “Audiences who appreciate atmospheric and visually distinctive period pieces”
  • “Those looking for a unique, albeit loose, interpretation of an Edgar Allan Poe-inspired tale”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong violence, including acid attacks and an axe murder”
  • “Gruesome imagery and depictions of burn victims”
  • “Disturbing and surreal dream sequences”
  • “Themes of revenge, madness, and psychological torment”
  • “Rated ‘X’ upon its original release, indicating mature content”

Professional Reviews

• The Gothic Film Review: “Gordon Hessler’s ‘Murders in the Rue Morgue’ re-imagines Poe’s classic with a distinct Grand Guignol flair, transforming the source into a vibrant, almost psychedelic gothic spectacle. While the plot veers dramatically from the original, the film’s strength lies in its lavish European production design and the unsettling dream sequences that lend it a surreal edge. Herbert Lom delivers a chilling performance as the masked avenger, anchoring a visually striking, if uneven, horror-mystery that leans heavily into its theatrical roots.
• Horror Hound Magazine: “More ‘Phantom of the Opera’ than Poe, this AIP production offers a bizarre but engaging detour into 19th-century Parisian theatrical horror. Jason Robards feels somewhat miscast, but Herbert Lom once again embodies the iconic disfigured figure with menacing aplomb. Despite a convoluted plot and occasional pacing issues, the film’s bold visual style, especially the infamous red-tinted nightmares, creates a unique, unsettling atmosphere. It’s a curiosity piece that finds its stride in its atmospheric dread rather than narrative clarity.

Audience Reactions

The Grand Guignol theatre setting and the creepy dream sequences really stuck with me, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s unique visual style, its moody European atmosphere, and Herbert Lom’s compelling performance as the masked killer, despite its loose adaptation of Poe.

Overall Consensus: A visually distinctive and atmospherically rich gothic horror film that, while loosely adapting Poe’s work and suffering from narrative unevenness, delivers a memorable, often surreal experience for fans of classic horror and Phantom of the Opera-esque thrillers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “American International Pictures (AIP) significantly re-edited the film for its US release, cutting 11 minutes and adding color tints to the dream sequences, a decision director Gordon Hessler publicly objected to as it altered his original artistic intent.”
• “Despite its title, the film deviates heavily from Edgar Allan Poe’s original story, instead drawing significant inspiration from Gaston Leroux’s ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, a theme reinforced by Herbert Lom essentially reprising his masked role from Hammer’s 1962 ‘Phantom’.”
• “Star Jason Robards felt he was miscast in the leading role, reportedly suggesting during filming that the two main male roles should have been reversed.”
• “The movie was entirely filmed in Spain, in locations such as Toledo and Madrid, despite being set in Paris at the turn of the century.”

🖥️ How to Watch Murders in the Rue Morgue?

While Murders in the Rue Morgue (1971) is not currently available on major subscription streaming services, it can typically be found for rent or purchase on digital platforms. Look for it on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, or YouTube. Its availability may vary by region, so checking your preferred digital storefront is recommended for the most up-to-date options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Murders in the Rue Morgue, you might like these similar films:

• Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932): An earlier, classic adaptation of the same Edgar Allan Poe story, starring Bela Lugosi, offering a darker and more Expressionistic interpretation of the source material.
• The Phantom of the Opera (1962): Shares core thematic elements of a masked figure haunting a theater and seeking revenge, notably featuring Herbert Lom who reprises a similar disfigured, vengeful character.
• The Oblong Box (1969): Another American International Pictures gothic horror film from the same era, also directed by Gordon Hessler and exploring similar dark themes and production styles.
• Theatre of Blood (1973): Features a theatrical setting, an actor seeking elaborate revenge through gruesome murders, and the kind of dark humor and over-the-top performance that AIP Poe fans might appreciate.
• Crimson Peak (2015): A visually rich modern gothic horror film that focuses on psychological tension, dark family secrets, and a haunting, dreamlike atmosphere, echoing the tone ‘Murders in the Rue Morgue’ attempts.

🛒 Murders in the Rue Morgue Related Products

• Murders in the Rue Morgue (1971) – Collector’s Edition Blu-ray: Experience the film in its restored 98-minute director’s cut, showcasing the original vision with stunning visuals and audio. Includes bonus features like interviews and commentary.
• The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe (Leatherbound Classic): A beautifully bound collection of all of Poe’s iconic short stories and poetry, including the original ‘Murders in the Rue Morgue’ story that inspired the film.
• The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (Paperback): The classic novel by Gaston Leroux, widely acknowledged as a major influence on the film’s narrative and character dynamics, especially the masked villain.
• Grand Guignol: The French Theatre of Horror (Paperback): An insightful historical account exploring the real-life Parisian Grand Guignol theatre, its plays, and its influence on horror and performance art.

🎧 Soundtrack

Murders in the Rue Morgue features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “La Marseillaise” – performed by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle
• “Main Theme (Murders in the Rue Morgue)” – performed by Waldo de los Ríos

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why should you read Edgar Allan Poe? – Scott Peeples

Ever wondered about the genius behind the chilling ‘Murders in the Rue Morgue’? This fantastic TED-Ed video dives deep into Edgar Allan Poe’s iconic work, giving you brilliant insights into his dark, innovative mind and showing why his stories, like the one that inspired this movie, still captivate us today. It’s a must-watch for understanding the master of gothic horror!

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