Movie, 1952

Effective and well-paced mystery, with noir sentiments, if not stylings, and a love triangle which spins and dramatises the lives of the film’s main protagonists, after the murder of an acquaintance. Some great acting from Valerie Hobson and James Robertson Justice brings some tension along the way, so that even if some of the other acting and the settings are a little down at heel, there’s still plenty here to commend. One of those films which underplay but deliver some pretty neat plot twists and character interplays, which keeps things entertaining throughout. Old-fashioned, but far from being too mannered – good entertainment that never takes itself too seriously. A very decent watch.