Watch Kommissar X - Kill, Panther Kill
- 1968
- 1 hr 29 min
-
5.4 (123)
Kommissar X - Kill, Panther Kill is a 1968 psychological thriller that follows a private detective named Jo Walker (Tony Kendall) and his sidekick Captain Tom Rowland (Brad Harris) as they investigate a string of murders in Munich. The movie opens with the brutal murder of a famous scientist who was working on a formula for a new element. Jo Walker is appointed by the murdered scientist's daughter to find the killer, as the police seem to be at a dead end. Jo Walker immediately takes on this case, and with the help of his close friend Captain Tom Rowland, begins to investigate the situation.
As the investigation proceeds, Jo and Tom start to uncover a complicated web of deceit, with numerous unusual characters involved. They are led on a wild journey, which takes them from Munich to Africa, and finally, back to Munich.
One of the major suspects in the murders is a man known as Bob Martin (Corny Collins). Bob is an ex-convict and a part-time musician who is struggling to get by. Jo and Tom believe that Bob's brother is the real mastermind behind the murders, and they consider Bob his accomplice. Bob denies the accusations, but as the story unfolds, Jo realizes that he might be a pawn in a much bigger game.
There are several other characters with their own hidden agendas: a wealthy businessman who is not what he appears to be, a nightclub owner who is in cahoots with some nefarious individuals, and a femme fatale who seems to be manipulating the situation.
Throughout the movie, the twists and turns in the plot keep the audience guessing. There are several subplots that are interwoven, adding to the complexity of the storyline. The film is not just about the investigation and the discovery of whodunit. It is also about the social and political issues of the time, such as the exploitation of Africa by colonial powers, the problems with the criminal justice system, and the corruption of the rich and powerful.
The cinematography is exceptional, with beautiful shots of Munich and Africa. The music by Guido and Maurizio De Angelis adds to the ambiance, making it more dramatic and suspenseful. The action scenes are well choreographed, and the fight scenes are not cheesy, which is unusual for this genre.
One of the most significant elements of the movie is the relationship between Jo and Tom. These two characters have a great rapport, and the banter between them is enjoyable. Their chemistry adds much-needed humor to the otherwise serious story. They are a classic odd couple, with Jo being the sophisticated detective and Tom being the rough and tough captain. There are moments in the film where they question each other's abilities, but in the end, they always have each other's backs.
Overall, Kommissar X - Kill, Panther Kill is a well-made and thrilling detective movie. The acting is strong, the direction is excellent, and the storyline is captivating. The film is a fascinating slice of 1960s German cinema that is worth watching. The movie's ending is unexpected and has a twist that one will not see coming, making it an excellent addition to the detective genre.