La mano de un hombre muerto (1962)

English title: The Sadistic Baron Von Klaus.
Synopsis: A series of grizzly murders of young women puts a quiet little town in a state of fear. A police investigation is under way; a reporter from the capital is sent there and does some inquiries of his own. Two vagabonds are in town and begin to spread the notion that it is all related to a legendary curse that falls upon the Von Klaus, a family of noblemen that live in a castle in the town's outskirts.
Appraisal: To be honest, the plot of this crime thriller is quite dull; the real murderer's identity is quite obvious very early on in the film. It does get a little more interesting towards the end, albeit a little more sickly too, with flogging scenes that inaugurate what is said to be a trademark in this director's oeuvre. The cinematography is quite good throughout, and the composition of the scenes, particularly of the snow-covered city and some ensemble shots inside the café, are quite carefully done. The sequence at the swamp, near the ending, is quite good and atmospheric.
Rating: 32