The Pied Piper (1972)

In the torrid heart of summer, 1349, the relentless specter of the Black Death sweeps through the northern regions of Germany, leaving a trail of despair. Among this turmoil, a troupe of wandering performers find themselves in the town of Hamelin, drawn by the impending union of the Mayor's daughter and the Baron's son. The Baron, driven by greed, covets her dowry to fund his military machinations, while his father ruthlessly taxes the beleaguered populace to construct a cathedral he believes will be his salvation. A local Jewish apothecary, in a desperate attempt to combat the plague, becomes the target of the Priests' ire, accused of heresy and witchcraft. Amidst this chaos, a mysterious minstrel (Donovan) weaves his way into the town's story, soothing the Mayor's daughter with his enchanting melodies and promising salvation from the town's rat infestation for a price. The Mayor, swayed by the Piper's mystical charm, agrees to his terms only to betray him, once the vermin are vanquished. As dawn breaks over the town of Hamelin, the consequences of their collective actions culminate in a tragic climax - the aftermath of the plague, the apothecary's unjust punishment, and the Piper's haunting revenge. In this darkly vivid tale, the town's desperation, deceit, and ultimate reckoning unveil a dire parable of greed, corruption, and retribution. The Pied Piper of Hamelin, with his alluring yet ominous tune, serves as a haunting reminder of the price of broken promises.

The Pied Piper is a drama movie featuring Donovan.

The Pied Piper is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

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