This is an immensely enjoyable suspense film -- one that creates layers upon layers of mystery. I was kept guessing all the way to the final moments. A knockout!
Sydney Greenstreet plays a highly talented criminal investigator and prosecuting attorney. Unfortunately, he helps to convict a man who is later executed, and then found to have been innocent. As a result, Greenstreet is forced to "retire". Following this, he closely follows a murder case where a young man is killed in his own bed -- inside a locked room, no less.
George Coulouris is the new investigator in charge of the case. Of course, he had been instrumental in strong-arming Greenstreet into premature "retirement".
The plot then follows how Greenstreet out-thinks and out-maneuvers Coulouris at every turn. He is assisted in this through his amiable and witty companionship with Peter Lorre -- a hard-drinking artist. This makes for a crackerjack suspense thriller; one that is bound to entertain, startle, and totally engage the viewer. I completely enjoyed the heck out of it.
The supporting cast is also absolutely first rate. You will see many film veterans of the wonderful Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes movies -- including the murder victim himself. And I must add that Lorre and Greenstreet have never been better. Lorre's performance as a slightly soused artist who draws intricate crime scenes, is both subtle and outrageously nuanced. Greenstreet, as usual, commands the screen. He is brilliant, humorous, and thoroughly charismatic. Even the landlady of the murder victim is sensational. You just can't go wrong with this cast.
Don Siegel's direction, from early in his career, is assured, stylish, and sparkling. He is totally in control. The sets, production design, and editing are all excellent. And the lighting and photography, with powerful noir overtones, are moody, rich, and add immeasurably to the suspense and gothic atmosphere of the film.
This is a first class piece of filmmaking, all round. I honestly did not predict the ending; the surprise was a real stunner. And the explanation of the "locked room" mystery took my breath away.
I highly recommend this exciting firecracker of a film. I'm willing to bet that you will be tantalized and thrilled in equal measure.
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2020
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2013Amazon Customer
Top reviews from other countries
- Michel PrinceReviewed in Canada on September 22, 2019
How could the murderer have entered the locked room and got out without being seen by anyone ???
-
ermanno quinzi de valneyReviewed in Italy on January 13, 2013
La Morte viene da Scotland Yard
