Der Chinese 1979
In *Der Chinese (1979)*, Swiss director Kurt Gloor crafts a moody crime drama set in the misty Bernese countryside, where the discovery of a mysterious corpse ignites a tense investigation.
Director: Kurt Gloor
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Der Chinese (1979) about?
The film follows Constable Studer as he probes the suspicious death of James Farny, known as "The Chinese," who is found with a gun in hand in a quiet village cemetery. Officially ruled a suicide, Studer's instincts tell him otherwise, leading him down a path of secrets and unresolved tensions.
Who directed Der Chinese?
Swiss filmmaker Kurt Gloor directed *Der Chinese*, bringing a sharp eye for atmosphere and character to this understated crime tale.
Who stars in Der Chinese?
The film features Hans Heinz Moser as Constable Studer, alongside Klaus Steiger, Silvia Jost, Guido Bachmann, and Erwin Kohlund in key roles.
Is Der Chinese (1979) worth watching?
As a crime drama rooted in Swiss cinema of the 1970s, *Der Chinese* offers a slow-burning mystery with a memorable lead performance by Moser. While it may not break new ground, its atmospheric tone and Studer's stubborn determination make it a worthwhile watch for fans of classic detective stories.
How long is Der Chinese?
Runtime details are not listed for *Der Chinese (1979).
About Der Chinese (1979) — A Swiss Crime Drama with a Grizzled Detective
In *Der Chinese (1979)*, Swiss director Kurt Gloor crafts a moody crime drama set in the misty Bernese countryside, where the discovery of a mysterious corpse ignites a tense investigation. James Farny, nicknamed "The Chinese" for his globe-trotting past and enigmatic demeanor, is found dead in a village cemetery with a gun in hand—officially ruled a suicide, but not by Constable Studer. Played with grizzled charm by Hans Heinz Moser, Studer is a detective as stubborn as he is solitary, a man whose uncompromising nature has left him with few allies. The film weaves a slow-burning atmosphere of suspicion and unresolved questions, probing whether Farny's death was self-inflicted or a calculated act of violence.
Gloor's direction leans into the stark contrasts of rural life and urban intrigue, while the genre leans into classic whodunit territory with a Swiss twist. The story's themes of isolation, prejudice, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance linger long after the credits roll. With its atmospheric tension and flawed but compelling protagonist, *Der Chinese* offers a snapshot of 1970s Swiss cinema that's equal parts detective story and character study.