After helming several projects during the Empire days, director David DeCoteau worked as a producer during Full Moon’s early years. He produced Crash and Burn, Trancers II, and Puppet Master II when he got a call about directing again. Paramount, who was distributing Full Moon’s films, was happy with how Puppet Master II did and immediately wanted a sequel. For the installment, they hired writer C. Courtney Joyner, who previously wrote the Charles Band produced Prison in 1987. They decided that rather than a straight-up sequel, this third film would be a prequel set in WWII Germany. After filming Subspecies in Romania, they wanted to film there but decided against it due to political turmoil. Instead, they shot for two days at the Universal Backlot, while the rest was filmed at their Los Angeles studio. Released months after II, Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge hit video store shelves in 1991.
%
Rating
Synopsis
In 1941 Berlin, puppeteer Andre Toulon (Guy Rolfe) and his wife Elsa (Sarah Douglas) are entertaining children with their shows. However, during their shows, they make fun of Hitler, which catches the attention of Major Kraus (Richard Lynch). Kraus has Lieutenant Stein (Kristopher Logan) investigate, and he discovers that Toulon has found a way to animate his puppets. This catches the attention of Dr. Hess (Ian Abercrombie), who’s been researching reanimating dead soldiers to create an immortal army. Kraus and his men raid Toulon’s home, kill his wife, and capture him with his puppets to be executed. The puppets manage to kill some of their captors, and Toulon makes his escape with them, plotting his revenge. Meanwhile, Kraus’ superior, General Mueller (Walter Gotell) orders him to find Toulon at once while Hess wants Toulon’s help. Will Toulon succeed in avenging his wife’s death, or will the Nazis kill him first?
Review
Of the films in the series so far, Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge is easily the strongest entry. First off, the decision to film on the Universal Backlot greatly enhances the production value and adds to the authenticity. It’s also worth mentioning that the backlot sets used were the same ones used for the 1931 Frankenstein. Cast-wise, this has some of the best actors in any Full Moon film, including veterans Rolfe, Lynch, Abercrombie, Gotell, and Douglas. Much like in Trancers II, Lynch plays a very compelling villain who’s very sinister and determined while also showing humility. Rolfe, who you might remember from Stuart Gordon’s Dolls, delivers another solid performance, and his relationship with Douglas is touching. While he doesn’t have much screen time, Gotell also delivers a strong performance and adds to the pedigree on display. Also noteworthy is a brief appearance by famous scream queen Michelle Bauer.
While the first two films were enjoyable, they had essentially the same plot of puppets killing people at a hotel. This film, however, stands out by having a plot centered on revenge that also makes the puppets the heroes. The one slip-up with the story is that the film takes place in 1941, while the original opened in 1939. Admittedly, it’s not a huge deterrent, but it’s kind of funny to point out and a glaring oversight. Also, while the puppetry and stop-motion hold up, there are some shots where you can see the strings. Even with that said, this is still an impressive entry in the series and a highlight in Full Moon’s catalog. Though the series would have its ups and downs going forward, this still stands as a milestone for Full Moon. Overall, Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge is the best film in the franchise so far.
Buy Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge from Full Moon Direct: https://bit.ly/2ZiC4hm
