The Black Cobra (1963) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A truck driver uncovers a cocaine smuggling ring and takes independent action to dismantle the criminal network.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

The Cocaine Misdelivery

Peter Karner narrowly survives an assassination attempt while driving his truck. He soon discovers his cargo is actually cocaine, not the advertised detergent, placing him in immediate danger. After the drug trafficker Manuzzo is shot on the highway, Karner escapes to a local restaurant to regroup.

Key Events

• Assassination Attempt — Peter Karner narrowly escapes a targeted assassination attempt while driving. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Highway
• Cocaine Discovery — He discovers his cargo is actually cocaine, not the advertised detergent. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Truck Cabin
• Manuzzo Shot — During a dramatic highway scene, the drug trafficker Manuzzo is shot. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Highway
• Highway — The initial setting where the assassination attempt and cargo discovery occur. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Highway
• Cocaine Shipment — The illicit cargo that serves as the catalyst for the entire conflict. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Truck

Shadows of the Smuggling Ring

While official inspectors launch their investigation, Karner decides to take matters into his own hands. He begins tracing the smuggling gang and their hidden supporter, Mr. Green. His investigation leads him to the Paradise Bar, a dangerous hub filled with suspects and criminal activity.

Key Events

• Escape to Restaurant — Karner escapes the immediate danger and hides at a local restaurant. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Restaurant Zur Kobra
• Official Investigation Begins — Inspectors Langhammer and Knecht officially launch their investigation into the case. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Police Station
• Decision to Unmask — Karner decides to personally unmask the smuggling gang and their supporter. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Restaurant Zur Kobra
• Paradise Bar Traces — All investigative traces lead to the Paradise Bar, a hub of suspects. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Paradise Bar
• Restaurant Zur Kobra — A temporary safe haven where Karner plans his next investigative steps. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Restaurant Zur Kobra

The Paradise Bar Trap

Karner faces mortal danger as he navigates the bar and uncovers critical clues. The criminals respond by kidnapping his companion, raising the stakes significantly. Despite the threat, Karner pushes forward, determined to expose the network before it eliminates him.

Key Events

• Paradise Bar Traces — All investigative traces lead to the Paradise Bar, a hub of suspects. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Paradise Bar
• Bar Investigation — Karner navigates the dangerous environment of the bar to gather information. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Paradise Bar
• Mortal Danger — Karner finds himself in mortal danger as the criminals close in. Characters: Peter Karner Location: City Streets
• Kidnapping — His companion is kidnapped by the criminals, escalating the personal stakes. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Unknown Location
• Paradise Bar — The central hub of suspects and the location of the final criminal takedown. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Paradise Bar

Scrapyard Justice

In a decisive confrontation, Karner and his allies overwhelm the criminal forces at the bar. The hidden mastermind is unmasked and attempts to flee into a nearby car scrapyard. The villain meets his end in an industrial press, bringing the smuggling operation to a violent close.

Key Events

• Criminal Overwhelmed — At the last moment, the criminals are overwhelmed and neutralized. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Paradise Bar
• Mr. Green Unmasked — A certain Mr. Wunderlich is unmasked as the hidden supporter Mr. Green. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Paradise Bar
• Flight to Scrapyard — The unmasked villain attempts to flee into a nearby car scrapyard. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Car Scrapyard
• Scrapyard Confrontation — Karner tracks the fleeing villain to the scrapyard for a final encounter. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Car Scrapyard
• Villain's Death — The villain dies by falling into a press during his escape attempt. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Car Scrapyard
• Car Scrapyard — The industrial setting where the antagonist meets his demise. Characters: Peter Karner Location: Car Scrapyard

Story Breakdown

• Inciting Incident — The assassination attempt and cargo discovery that disrupt Peter Karner's routine.
  • Highway Ambush — Karner narrowly survives a targeted attack on the road.
  • Cargo Revelation — Discovery that the truck carries cocaine instead of detergent.
• Safe Haven — Karner retreats to a restaurant to recover and plan his next moves.
  • Restaurant Hiding — Temporary refuge at Zur Kobra with his companion.
  • Official Response — Inspectors Langhammer and Knecht begin their formal investigation.
• Investigation Path — Karner shifts from victim to active investigator targeting the smuggling ring.
  • Self-Appointed Mission — Decision to personally unmask the gang and their supporter.
  • Clue Tracking — Following traces that lead directly to the Paradise Bar.
• Hostage Crisis — The criminals escalate their tactics by targeting Karner's loved ones.
  • Mortal Danger — Karner faces direct threats while navigating the bar.
  • Abduction Event — His companion is kidnapped, raising personal stakes dramatically.
• Final Showdown — The climax where Karner confronts the criminal network head-on.
  • Bar Confrontation — Overwhelming the criminals at the Paradise Bar.
  • Identity Exposure — Unmasking Mr. Wunderlich as the hidden Mr. Green.
• Resolution Arc — The pursuit and elimination of the primary antagonist in the scrapyard.
  • Scrapyard Flight — The villain attempts to escape through the industrial yard.
  • Industrial Demise — The antagonist dies in a press, concluding the threat.

Directed by

Rudolf Zehetgruber

Key Cast

• Ann Smyrner — Alexa Bergmann
• Adrian Hoven — Peter Karner
• Wolfgang Preiss — Stanislas Raskin
• Peter Vogel — Kriminalassistent Alois Dralle
• Paul Dahlke — Kommissar Langhammer