Truly magnificent performance by Herbert Lom as twins in "Dual Alibi" from 1947.
I always thought Herbert Lom reminded me of Yul Brynner as far as his strong, commanding presence. I just learned he was the original star of King and I in London. So I wasn't far off.
In the beginning of the film, one of the de Lisle twins is noticed by his old boss at the circus, and it's obvious he's down on his luck. Finally he recognizes him and remembers the twins' story. (This is ridiculous since as the story unfolds you'll see there's no way he doesn't know exactly who this guy is.)
The de Lisle twin tells his story in flashback. The de Lisles, George and Jules, had a popular and successful trapeze act. George is frugal and business-like, Jules is always having money problems. Together they own a ticket to the national lottery. The letter arrives at an old address, where it is opened by a the slimy Mike Bergen.
Bergen convinces his girlfriend to make a big play for Jules and get the ticket away from him. What follows is tragedy.
This is a very dark film with good performances and wonderful trapeze work. Lom is fantastic. Phyllis Dixey plays the femme fatale girlfriend, and Terence de Marney is the thief behind the scheme. The trick photography is fantastic.
Excellent film, well worth seeing.
I always thought Herbert Lom reminded me of Yul Brynner as far as his strong, commanding presence. I just learned he was the original star of King and I in London. So I wasn't far off.
In the beginning of the film, one of the de Lisle twins is noticed by his old boss at the circus, and it's obvious he's down on his luck. Finally he recognizes him and remembers the twins' story. (This is ridiculous since as the story unfolds you'll see there's no way he doesn't know exactly who this guy is.)
The de Lisle twin tells his story in flashback. The de Lisles, George and Jules, had a popular and successful trapeze act. George is frugal and business-like, Jules is always having money problems. Together they own a ticket to the national lottery. The letter arrives at an old address, where it is opened by a the slimy Mike Bergen.
Bergen convinces his girlfriend to make a big play for Jules and get the ticket away from him. What follows is tragedy.
This is a very dark film with good performances and wonderful trapeze work. Lom is fantastic. Phyllis Dixey plays the femme fatale girlfriend, and Terence de Marney is the thief behind the scheme. The trick photography is fantastic.
Excellent film, well worth seeing.