In 1947 horror was entering one of its most barren periods with only Abbott and Costello really having horror incorporated into their popular comedy films. The studios seemed to have run out of ideas and the stars languished. It is therefore very welcome surprise to see this rarely mentioned psychological thriller that is every bit the equal of classic horror films from any era. The cast is amazing, George Sanders, Boris Karloff and George Zucco all co-star. A murderer is presumed to have killed seven missing women and is sending taunting poems to the police giving clues as to the next victim.
The setting is a very well evoked London full of cobbled streets, street lamps and hanging fog. Lucille Ball in an early role plays a woman who helps the police track the killer becoming entangled with playboy George Sanders. She is very good and plays drama off against moments of comedy delightfully. The film is full of menace and red herrings, the plot twists and turns without becoming convoluted and the viewer constantly has to refine who the killer is in their mind. There are quite startlingly violent for the time fight scenes that provide strong highlights. Boris Karloff plays a suspect, more to be pitied than feared, a demented fashion designer whose mind was lost when his designs were stolen. He replays the launch of these designs that never happened in his run down house, full of pathos and uncontrolled rage. In truth, they could have made a whole film from this one section.
George Zucco is great as the undercover police inspector protecting Lucille Ball, initially full of furtive glances he then plays a light comedy support role to fantastic effect. He clearly relishes the part and it could have been worked into Sherlock Holmes style series that would have been very entertaining. The film moves along swiftly and an hour in you think the case is all wrapped up, but how wrong we are and it changes dramatically. The killer won't be guessed at the start and the person is very effective in an obssessional and delusional part.
The direction is excellent, the sets plush and the feeling is one of professionalism and quality. I would have no hesitation in recommending this underrated and wonderfully atmospheric film. 9/10.
Special Thanks to Mark Coyle for this Movie Review.