Good story, Not enough for a whole film

A lot of fun.

This is ultimately a movie about the very bad things that can happen when we don't address our unease, when we just try to brush it off, whether that's to fit in or to preserve our self-image.

If you're interested in the topic at hand, you should just watch it and judge yourself because the reviews have gone very biased by people that didn't even watch it and just hate (or love) the creator. I liked it, it was well written, narrated, and directed and it was about a topic that interests me.

In 1880, the criminal called The Face is responsible for a murderous rampage in France. When the Brisson Bank is robbed in Paris and the employee Michelle is murdered, the wealthy Chevalier Lucio del Gardo (Tod Slaughter) is the only chance to save the bank.Another team-up between actor Tod Slaughter and director George King (who expertly told the tale of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street). This dynamic duo really nailed it and for that I thank them.This is something of a horror film, though it tends to be more along the lines of a crime story. There is little about it that is outright terrifying or scary. That in no way takes away from the picture and all those involved should be proud.

"The city of Paris is terrified due to the ghastly murders all attributed to 'The Wolf', a notorious killer. What the public doesn't know is 'The Wolf' is actually a respected aristocrat who hides his criminal activities under his false guise. The fiendish man is plotting to use the murders as a cover for a series of bank robberies…" according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis.Once again, fiendish Tod Slaughter (as Chevalier Lucio del Gardo) is pining for nubile young Marjorie Taylor (as Cecile de Brisson), but she has fallen in love with penniless bank clerk John Warwick (as Lucien Cortier). Yes, it sounds a lot like the plot of several other Slaughter films, especially "The Ticket of Leave Man" (1937), which had Mr. Slaughter (as "The Tiger"), threatening to come between the same co-stars. The other film is more fun, and more British; this story had more potential, but is obviously lacking.**** The Face at the Window (4/39) George King ~ Tod Slaughter, John Warwick, Marjorie Taylor

When I lived in Sydney in the '70s it was the vogue of the "music hall restaurants". There were quite a few around - you could go out to tea and then be entertained by a blood curdling melodrama where you had to boo and hiss the villain and make appropriate sounds for the hero and heroine. Neutral Bay had a very good one and with plays like "Sweet Nell of Old Drury" and "The Spring Heeled Terror of Putney Green" you knew you were in for an entertaining night.This is exactly what this film is like - it is thoroughly entertaining. Tod Slaughter is the whole show - he acts and gestures everyone else off the screen. That you know at once he is the villain makes no difference.Paris 1880: there is a killer on the loose called the Wolf, who is also responsible for a string of daring robberies. M. de Brisson's bank has just been robbed and Lucio del Gardo (Tod Slaughter) arrives on the scene to try to solve the mystery. He has just seen Cecile, the banker's daughter and is determined to make her his own. The only thing that stands in his way (he has already talked her father around) is her fiancée, Lucien Cortier, a clerk at the bank.By subtle innuendo (and much leering and ogling) he starts suspicions that Lucien is the Wolf. It is up to Lucien to clear his name and win Cecile back. But wait - there's more. Del Gardo has a monstrous half brother (who is the face at the window!!!). Del Gardo has made a promise to his mother (40 years before!!!) that he will always keep his brother in a cage in the cellar - never letting him be seen by anyone.At 65 minutes it is blood curdling entertainment!!!!!

Yes, this film is dated. Yes, it is muddled with every possible plot contrivance imaginable in a mystery-melodrama. But, this film stars one of the kings of the horror screen - a forgotten king named Tod Slaughter. And if you have never had the opportunity and privilege to see him on screen, then you are missing out on a pure cinematic joy. He is the hammiest of the hams with his eyes rolling incessantly, his mischievous leers, his over-pronounced dialogue, and his bombastic gestures. He makes Vincent Price look like an actor accustomed to giving understated performances. Plainly put - he is fun to watch! Slaughter was a British actor known primarily for his stage work but he made several pictures. As with all his films, he is the primary focal-point of attention, and A Face at the Window is no exception. This is a fun movie to watch and should make you a Tod Slaughter fan. The story of the movie is complicated and stretches credibility at times, but is to be taken in fun....that is apparent as soon as you see Slaughter say something and gesture about.