Evil is running amok in an Italian village, mostly in the estate of a deceased pianist where murders begin to take place. What is this supposed evil?... The pianist's hand. This film was one of the earliest horror films to get favorable responses from critics and the public. I love watching Peter Lorre, he was always such a creepy little guy. When I was a kid, I watched this film with my big sister and it gave me nightmares.I always wondered if she did this on purpose because she was always stuck having to watch me when our parents worked!!