@celeste_writes
A patient, formally daring work — the cinematography lingers on empty rooms longer than most audiences will tolerate, but those who stay are rewarded with the most haunting final act of the year.
Genial shopkeeper Philip has to endure the constant nagging of a shrewish wife while he secretly yearns for a pretty young stenographer. When the henpecking gets to be too much, Philip murders his wife and manages to make her death look like an accident. A ruthless blackmailer and a low-key detective both discover Philip's secret, and he has to decide which of them poses the more dangerous threat.
Quick Stats
6.8
TMDB Rating
69
Votes
1h 25m
Runtime
—
Budget
—
Box Office
—
Return
Key Crew
DirectorRobert Siodmak
WriterBertram Millhauser
CinematographyPaul Ivano
ComposerFrank Skinner
EditorArthur Hilton
Production DesignEdward R. Robinson
Produced by
Universal Pictures
Where to Watch
Streaming
Netflix
HBO MaxBuy
Apple iTunesSee more on TMDB → JustWatch
Critics & Reviews
3 featured@jhalberg
I walked in expecting another genre exercise and walked out feeling like I'd been eavesdropping on a confession. The lead performance is genuinely singular — a career-defining turn.
@priya_a
A few too many scenes feel borrowed from a better film, but the soundtrack and the production design carry the rest. Solid recommendation for fans of slow-burn European thrillers.
Cast
Charles Laughton
Philip Marshall
Ella Raines
Mary Gray
Dean Harens
John Marshall
Stanley Ridges
Inspector Huxley
Henry Daniell
Mr. Simmons
Rosalind Ivan
Cora Marshall
Molly Lamont
Mrs. Simmons
Raymond Severn
Merridew
Eve Amber
Sybil
Maude Eburne
Mrs. Packer
Clifford Brooke
Mr. Packer
Gerald Hamer
Griswold (uncredited)
Ernie Adams
Cabbie (uncredited)
E
Eve Ashley
Background Woman (uncredited)
Jimmy Aubrey
Pogson (uncredited)
