The Violin Case Murders (1965)

Director: Fritz Umgelter

Starring: George Nader, Heinz Weiss, Sylvia Pascal, Helga Schlack

More info: IMDb

Tagline: FBI-Ace, Agent Jerry Cotton pursues and traps the 'mastermind' of a diabolical organization of the New York Underworld!

Plot: Jerry Cotton and Phil Decker of the New York FBI headquarters are in a hot pursuit of a group of six robbers and murderers. Disguised as a vagabond, Jerry cotton infiltrates the gang. Kitty, the boss 's moll, tells him the time and place of the next crime. Will Jerry Cotton be quick enough to prevent the worst and catch the murderer? The gang has a surefire technique: they travel as a musical band, using an apparently harmless violin case as a diabolical prop.

My rating: 6/10

Will I watch it again? Possibly but not before the gazillions of other Eurospy flicks I haven't seen yet.


Jerry Cotton was Germany's answer to James Bond and this was his first theatrical adventure. It's a light-hearted affair with a fun score by Peter Thomas (who also scored CHARIOTS OF THE GODS (1970)), LOTS of rear projection, and a likable lead in George Nader. Nader's story is an interesting one and I encourage you to check it out on IMDb.




This is a German/European production which means it's going to be quite a bit different than what you're used to. It's just a different vibe and sensibility. TVCM is goofy fun and it's at least worth a look for Eurospy fans.