Today I think that British films are often quite impressive. But in previous decades I rarely enjoyed them. This film was from that era when I usually didn't care for British films. And, I have very mixed feelings about this one.
I give this film an A+ for one thing. I usually see a surprise ending coming a mile away. But here they carefully and skillfully crafted two potential scenarios that made me know exactly which two conclusions the film would come to. Except, they surprised me. And it worked. Cleverly done.
The cast is interesting, although I've never been totally comfortable with Richard Todd; and here, again, he just make me feel...well let's just say the best acting is when it doesn't seem as if the actor is acting...and to me Todd always seemed to be acting. Interesting to see Anne Baxter here. I think there may have been a bit of overacting on her part in this role, but it's still a forceful performance. Herbert Lom was a very dependable actor, and that's exactly how I would describe him here...reliable as the police detective. Interesting, also, to see Alexander Knox in a small, but important role here.
In terms of the plot, the way in which they mapped the story out, to lead the viewer to see two fairly logical conclusions coming down the road was very well done. My complaint is that there seemed to be not a second of time in the film wasted on "just life". Every single word was important to the story, which sounds like a good thing, but it gave the film a very unrelaxed nature. At times I compared it to Hitchcock, but this film doesn't have that talented a director.
Do I recommend this film? Well, perhaps, if you like British films. But if you experience with British films is negative...this isn't going to change that perspective.
I give this film an A+ for one thing. I usually see a surprise ending coming a mile away. But here they carefully and skillfully crafted two potential scenarios that made me know exactly which two conclusions the film would come to. Except, they surprised me. And it worked. Cleverly done.
The cast is interesting, although I've never been totally comfortable with Richard Todd; and here, again, he just make me feel...well let's just say the best acting is when it doesn't seem as if the actor is acting...and to me Todd always seemed to be acting. Interesting to see Anne Baxter here. I think there may have been a bit of overacting on her part in this role, but it's still a forceful performance. Herbert Lom was a very dependable actor, and that's exactly how I would describe him here...reliable as the police detective. Interesting, also, to see Alexander Knox in a small, but important role here.
In terms of the plot, the way in which they mapped the story out, to lead the viewer to see two fairly logical conclusions coming down the road was very well done. My complaint is that there seemed to be not a second of time in the film wasted on "just life". Every single word was important to the story, which sounds like a good thing, but it gave the film a very unrelaxed nature. At times I compared it to Hitchcock, but this film doesn't have that talented a director.
Do I recommend this film? Well, perhaps, if you like British films. But if you experience with British films is negative...this isn't going to change that perspective.