Three Cases of Murder
Director(s): David Eady, George More O'Ferrall, Wendy Toye
Writer(s): Sidney Carroll, Ian Dalrymple, Brett Halliday, W. Somerset Maugham, Roderick Wilkinson, Donald B. Wilson
Producer(s): Ian Dalrymple, Alexander Paal
Original Music by: Doreen Carwithen
United Kingdom | 1955
99 Minutes | Black & White
With: Orson Welles, Alan Badel, John Gregson, Elizabeth Sellars, Emrys Jones, Andre Morell, Hugh Pryse, Leueen MacGrath, Eddie Byrne, Helen Cherry, Eamonn Andrews
•*•*•*•*•*•*•
Take an amazing cast, three unforgettable tales of foul play, the general skill of British filmmaking during the 50's, and an adept original score from an amazing, unknown woman (Doreen Carwithen), stir, and you have Three Cases of Murder. I was unaware of this picture before viewing and had no preconceptions, except that I am initially wary of murder tales. That's probably because of today's shock-factor offerings, which I readily avoid, although when you peruse the genre's history, stories of homicide were generally harnessed with power, mystery and emotion. Case in point.
The first tale concerns a certain painting with fantastical qualities. In the spirit of The Twilight Zone, nothing is as it seems, and alternate reality follows it's own rules, as themes of imprisonment, enchantment and caution infuse. The second case, concerning business partners as close as brothers, revolves around jealously, extortion, and mistrust. The third is a psychological and surreal anecdote of a British Lord's nightmare's about a foreign correspondant he dismissed.
What must be said about Three Cases of Murder is that the stories, though unrelated, share a common belief that our actions have consequences, that there are unexpected effects to our decisions, that the debt cast by wrongdoing will return with sometimes deadly interest. Feelings can be dangerous, dreams are more than they seem, or less than they appear, and the bond of peace, when broken, results in shattered realities. These themes, carried to fruition, are pure joy to behold. Orson Welles gives a commanding and extraordinary performance as Lord Mountdrago, although Alan Badel receives top marks for starring in 2 of the 3 cases, appearing in all 3, and exhibiting an all-around masterful demonstration of the art of acting.
In summary:
I. Impeccably acted and executed, Three Cases of Murder should shimmy up your "instant classic" list faster than a cat can meow.
II. The music was effective and heightened the suspense without any loud tricks. I wonder why this was Doreen Carwithen's last score. Twas amazing.
III. In each of the three sections, excitement builds and amounts to a satisfying payoff. Bravo!
IV. The cinematography was beautiful and engrossing given the mostly interior settings.
V. This picture is memorable, fun, entrancing and stirring.
9 / 10 on the NORS [Night Owl Richter Scale]
•*•*•*•*•*•*•
Pair With : Bulleit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Nice and smooth, sip slowly and be taken captive by the suspense. Get it at your local Spirits dealer.
No comments:
Post a Comment