Horror
United States of America
Retro Puppet Master is a 1999 horror movie directed by David DeCoteau. The movie follows the story of Andre Toulon, a puppeteer who runs a puppet theater in the heart of Paris in the 1940s. Toulon meets a mysterious magician named Afzel who reveals to him a secret formula that could bring his puppets to life.
As Toulon begins experimenting with the formula, he discovers that he has the ability to transfer his own life force into his puppets, turning them into magical beings. However, Toulon must flee Paris when the Nazis invade and begin persecuting Jews, including Toulon's wife.
While on the run, Toulon meets the Swiss ambassador's daughter, Ilsa, and her fiancé, Dr. Hess. Toulon saves Ilsa's life, but Dr. Hess becomes obsessed with the secret of Toulon's puppet magic. Driven by greed and madness, he tries to steal Toulon's formula and becomes transformed into a monstrous puppet himself.
In the end, Toulon realizes that the secret of his puppet magic has brought only pain and suffering. He destroys his notes and formula to prevent anyone else from creating the same terror he has experienced. The movie ends with Toulon taking his own life, sealing the legacy of the Puppet Master.
