German Grusel

Documentary examines the extraordinary success of the Edgar Wallace series in Germany: the British writer who provided the inspiration for the films was actually out of fashion worldwide in the 1950s - too old-fashioned, too dignified, too boring. Only in Germany was it different, because there was a need to catch up after the end of the Second World War. The National Socialists had banned crime thrillers in general and Edgar Wallace in particular. With a few exceptions, the Edgar Wallace films were therefore the first since the expressionist films...

Directed by Oliver Schwehm, German Grusel leans on a strong ensemble — Oliver Kalkofe, Joachim Fuchsberger, Karin Dor — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2012.