Marjorie Vere Long née Campbell wrote in various genres and under various pseudonyms but it is her 'fictionalised' novels written as Joseph Shearing and inspired by famous murder cases that have proved most popular with film makers. No less than four film adaptations were released within a two year period, the last of which is this, directed by Lewis Allen who is again working with Ray Milland.
Filmed at Denham Studios with a thankfully all British cast this is a highly watchable piece in which Ann Todd as Olivia, the widow of a missionary, proves that still waters run deep by falling under the spell of charming crook Mark, played with Mephistophelian relish by Mr. Milland.
It is however the performances of Raymond Huntley and Geraldine Fitzgerald as an improbably paired husband and wife that make the most impression. One could hardly describe Mr. Huntley's persona as 'endearing' and his casting here is spot on. As for Miss Fitzgerald, this splendid artiste quietly dominates her scenes and hers is by far the most interesting character. Splendid supporting players notably the imperious Martita Hunt, perfectly cast as Raymond Huntley's mother and Hitchcock regular Leo G. Carroll as the voice of Olivia's conscience whilst a future Oscar winner turns up as a magistrate.
Excellent art direction by Thomas Morahan and atmospherically shot in what is commonly referred to as 'Gaslight-noir' by the blacklisted Max Greene, here credited as Mutz Greenbaum.
Some have said that the sudden change in Olivia's character from shrinking violet to villainess fails to ring true but real life invariably shows that we all carry within us the seed of iniquity just waiting to be germinated and as Byron has observed: "Truth is stranger than fiction".
Filmed at Denham Studios with a thankfully all British cast this is a highly watchable piece in which Ann Todd as Olivia, the widow of a missionary, proves that still waters run deep by falling under the spell of charming crook Mark, played with Mephistophelian relish by Mr. Milland.
It is however the performances of Raymond Huntley and Geraldine Fitzgerald as an improbably paired husband and wife that make the most impression. One could hardly describe Mr. Huntley's persona as 'endearing' and his casting here is spot on. As for Miss Fitzgerald, this splendid artiste quietly dominates her scenes and hers is by far the most interesting character. Splendid supporting players notably the imperious Martita Hunt, perfectly cast as Raymond Huntley's mother and Hitchcock regular Leo G. Carroll as the voice of Olivia's conscience whilst a future Oscar winner turns up as a magistrate.
Excellent art direction by Thomas Morahan and atmospherically shot in what is commonly referred to as 'Gaslight-noir' by the blacklisted Max Greene, here credited as Mutz Greenbaum.
Some have said that the sudden change in Olivia's character from shrinking violet to villainess fails to ring true but real life invariably shows that we all carry within us the seed of iniquity just waiting to be germinated and as Byron has observed: "Truth is stranger than fiction".