Times sure have changed. In 1935, George M. Cohan wrote of the play "The best thrill play I ever saw - and I've seen 'em all. It takes you by the throat and leaves you gasping." Perhaps it's unfair to compare it with Psycho, the best thriller of all time, but the comparison is like black and white. The only thrills here is in the last 20 minutes or so, and they are mild. The movie opened up the one-set play a bit, which helped vary the surroundings, but it still felt like a filmed play. The two saving graces were in the performances of Oscar nominees Dame May Whitty and Robert Montgomery, both a pleasure to watch. Whitty dominates all the scenes she is in, and Montgomery plays his murderous sweetness to perfection. The movie is worth seeing for these two performers.
For those interested in credits, I had a hard time spotting Winifred Harris, who is billed tenth. But if you believe the second set of opening credits which specified the cast in order of appearance, she should have appeared before tour guide E.E. Clive. There must have been some scenes cut because she appeared last, and barely at that. She has no lines and was in the background.
For those interested in credits, I had a hard time spotting Winifred Harris, who is billed tenth. But if you believe the second set of opening credits which specified the cast in order of appearance, she should have appeared before tour guide E.E. Clive. There must have been some scenes cut because she appeared last, and barely at that. She has no lines and was in the background.