STOLEN FACE is a surprisingly intriguing little British thriller of 1952. It comes from Hammer Films and is directed by the superlative Terence Fisher, one of the studio's very best talents. The plot feels like an intriguing precursor to that of EYES WITHOUT A FACE, involving a dedicated plastic surgeon who decides to help out a scarred criminal woman by giving her a new face - that of one of his own lost loves. He ends up marrying the 'new woman', but there's a somewhat obvious twist in store and things get very dark indeed. Although an obviously low budget film and rather slow-paced story, this one kept my interest throughout. The scientific aspects of the story are better utilised than in something like Hammer's FOUR-SIDED TRIANGLE, while Paul Henreid is a sympathetic lead. Best of all is Lizabeth Scott, who reminded me a little of Shirley Eaton, doing very well in a double role and convincing as both characters. The drama is high in the first half and gives way to some compelling suspense in the second, as well as a great climax.
Review of Stolen Face
