The Murderer Hides His Face

The second in a trio of detective films by director Petr Schulhoff starring major Kalaš (a minimalist Rudolf Hrušínský) shot in the years 1963–1969, depicts the search for a sex offender who murdered a nurse in the woods. The film was inspired by the true case of a seven-time murderer. Kalaš and his younger colleague Varga (Radoslav Brzobohatý) try to apprehend the murderer, who has already killed more than once, with the help of members of the police force. The reconstruction of an assault on another young lady, who survived the attack, helps to solve the case. The setting, in dreary winter countryside and on paint-peeled and muddy village streets, helps to successfully deepen the impressive atmosphere, as does the use of background music which is sometimes almost horror-like. (Noir Film Festival)