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Crime Cult Classic

Mobsters risk life and limb to crack a booby-trapped vault in this German Edgar Wallace crime caper.

THE CURSE OF THE HIDDEN VAULT

1964 · 1h 30m · NR · Crime / Drama · IMDB TMDB

Mobsters conspire to loot another criminal's treasure secured in an enormous booby-trapped vault.

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Quick Answer

What is The Curse of the Hidden Vault about?

The Curse of the Hidden Vault is a 1964 German crime drama directed by Franz Josef Gottlieb about mobsters conspiring to loot another criminal's treasure hidden in a massive, booby-trapped vault.

Programmer's Pick

Edgar Wallace adaptations never skimp on labyrinthine plots or perilous loot, and this one's a German-made buffet of booby traps and double-crossing crooks. Klaus Kinski lurks among the rogues, ensuring things are never less than twitchy. If you like your crime dramas with a side of deadly puzzles, step right in.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

In The Curse of the Hidden Vault, a cadre of mobsters sets their sights on a fortune stashed away in the labyrinthine depths of a heavily fortified and booby-trapped vault. As they plot to relieve another criminal of his treasure, the film spins a tale of shifting alliances, greed, and perilous ambition. Expect a crime drama with a classic 'Krimi' flavor, complete with ingenious traps, criminal intrigue, and a cast of shady characters navigating a maze of dangers in pursuit of riches—all set against the backdrop of German noir sensibilities. The setup promises tense escapades and plenty of suspense as each step toward the treasure could prove fatal.

Details & Specs

Director
Franz Josef Gottlieb
Writers
Franz Josef Gottlieb, Robert A. Stemmle, Edgar Wallace
Release
1964
Runtime
1h 30m
Country
Germany
Language
German
Genres
Crime, Drama
Also Known As
Edgar Wallace - Die Gruft mit dem Rätselschloss, Original title: Die Gruft mit dem Rätselschloss

Why This Matters

This West German adaptation of Edgar Wallace's 1908 novel reflects the international appeal of Wallace's crime stories and features Klaus Kinski among its cast, with production spanning both German studios and London locations.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Franz Josef Gottlieb Writers: Franz Josef Gottlieb +2 more
Harald Leipnitz Harald Leipnitz Jimmy Flynn Judith Dornys Judith Dornys Kathleen Kent Rudolf Forster Rudolf Forster Real Werner Peters Werner Peters Spedding Ernst Fritz Fürbringer Ernst Fritz Fürbringer Connor Klaus Kinski Klaus Kinski George Eddi Arent Eddi Arent Ferry Westlake Harry Meyen Harry Meyen Inspektor Angel Vera Tschechowa Vera Tschechowa Feder-Lissy Siegfried Schürenberg Siegfried Schürenberg Sir John Ilse Steppat Ilse Steppat Margaret Clayton Harry Wüstenhagen Harry Wüstenhagen Goyle Kurt Jaggberg Kurt Jaggberg Vinnis AB Arthur Binder Bat Sand Kurt Waitzmann Kurt Waitzmann Mr. Simpson Kurd Pieritz Kurd Pieritz Cyril HG Heinrich Gies Gerhard Hartig Gerhard Hartig HK Herbert Knippenberg LM Lothar Mann AS Arthur Schilsky

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Why Cult

Booby-Trapped Vault

The central treasure is protected by an enormous vault rigged with lethal traps, raising the stakes for every would-be thief.

Krimi & Edgar Wallace

This film is a German 'Krimi' adaptation of Edgar Wallace's work, blending classic mystery tropes with Continental flair.

Notorious Cast

Klaus Kinski and a lineup of character actors bring a menacing charm to the criminal ensemble.

Deadly Inheritance

The lure of inheritance and treasure triggers a spiral of greed, kidnapping, and murder.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Mobsters plot to loot a treasure

Threat

Booby-trapped vault

Effect

Lethal traps endanger intruders

Setting

Enormous vault

Questions from the Vault

When was The Curse of the Hidden Vault released? +

The Curse of the Hidden Vault was released in 1964.

Who directed The Curse of the Hidden Vault? +

The Curse of the Hidden Vault was directed by Franz Josef Gottlieb.

How long is The Curse of the Hidden Vault? +

The Curse of the Hidden Vault has a runtime of 90 minutes.

What genre is The Curse of the Hidden Vault? +

The Curse of the Hidden Vault is classified as a crime and drama film.

Where can I watch The Curse of the Hidden Vault? +

You can watch The Curse of the Hidden Vault on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

The Curse of the Hidden Vault trailer
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