Set in the year 1912, an upper crust English family dinner is interrupted by a police inspector who brings news that a girl known to everyone present has died in suspicious circumstances.
It seems that any – or all – of them could have had a hand in her death. But who is this mysterious Inspector and what can he want of them?
Filmed at Shepperton Studios, the screenplay by Desmond Davies was adapted from the popular J B Priestley play of the same name, first performed in England in 1946 – one year after its Soviet production.
The film is shot in gorgeously, atmospheric black and white by Guy Hamilton, who would go on to direct a host of Bond pictures and stars the brilliant Alastair Sim.
The story itself is told with real charm and the unravelling of the mystery makes for highly intriguing viewing, with a touch of dark magic added to the proceedings.
Inspector Poole
Alastair Sim Mrs Birling
Olga Lindo Mr Birling
Arthur Young Gerald Croft
Brian Worth Sheila
Eileen Moore Eric
Bryan Forbes Eva Smith
Jane Wenham Fish & Chip Shop Owner
George Woodbridge Committee Member
Barbara Everest Police Officer
Charles Saynor Miss Francis
Olwen Brookes Shop Walker
John Welsh
Director
Guy Hamilton
Related Posts
Inn of the Sixth Happiness, The (1958) The true story of English servant girl Gladys Aylward (Ingrid Bergman) who becomes a missionary in China during World War…
Around The World In 80 Days (1956) A splendid, charming film version of Jules Verne's magnificent travelogue with spectacular sketches from various parts of the world and…
Young and Wild (1958) Three youngsters steal a car for a joyride and encounter a couple out on a date. They drive the couple…
Someone at the Door (1950) Attractive young Sally Martin (Yvonne Owen) inherits the family mansion and lives in it with her younger brother, Ronnie (Michael…
Sapphire (1959) A pregnant woman is found stabbed to death on Hampstead Heath and the subsequent police investigation initially follows her fiancé…
Blonde Bait (1956) US State Department agent Kent Foster (Richard Travis) is on the trail of murderous traitor Nick Randall (Jim Davis) -…
Abominable Dr Phibes, The (1971) The Abominable Dr Phibes stars Vincent Price as a living corpse, seeking revenge on the nine medics who were in attendance…
And Now For Something Completely Different (1971) The stars of Monty Python's Flying Circus, Britain's latter-day version of the Marx Brothers, present a series of rip-roaring, rib-tickling sketches…
Inspector Poole
Eric
