The Suspect (1944)
January 15, 2025 12:53 PM - Subscribe
Genial shopkeeper Philip (Charles Laughton) endures constant abuse from his quarrelsome wife Cora (Rosalind Ivan) while secretly yearning for a pretty young stenographer (Ella Raines). When Cora turns up dead and it looks like Philip might be behind it, a ruthless blackmailer (Henry Daniell) and a low-key detective (Stanley Ridges) both turn their attention on the shopkeeper.
Also starring Dean Harens, Molly Lamont, Raymond Severn, Eve Amber, Maude Eburne, Clifford Brooke, Gerald Hamer.
Directed by Robert Siodmak. Screenplay by Bertram Millhauser, Arthur T. Horman. Based on the 1939 novel This Way Out by James Ronald. Produced by Islin Auster for Universal Pictures. Cinematography by Paul Ivano. Edited by Arthur Hilton. Music by Frank Skinner.
Not currently available via conventional streaming options in the US. JustWatch listing. But some sainted person has uploaded the film in full to the Internet Archive.
Also starring Dean Harens, Molly Lamont, Raymond Severn, Eve Amber, Maude Eburne, Clifford Brooke, Gerald Hamer.
Directed by Robert Siodmak. Screenplay by Bertram Millhauser, Arthur T. Horman. Based on the 1939 novel This Way Out by James Ronald. Produced by Islin Auster for Universal Pictures. Cinematography by Paul Ivano. Edited by Arthur Hilton. Music by Frank Skinner.
Not currently available via conventional streaming options in the US. JustWatch listing. But some sainted person has uploaded the film in full to the Internet Archive.
I think this one only works because of Laughton. He maintains the perfect tone. He is always an enjoyable actor to watch.
Looking at my records, I watched this on the Criterion Channel. They must have had a special noir programme on when I watched it.
posted by Ashwagandha at 10:15 PM on January 15
Looking at my records, I watched this on the Criterion Channel. They must have had a special noir programme on when I watched it.
posted by Ashwagandha at 10:15 PM on January 15
Laughton and Rosalind Ivan are critical to the success of this. If Philip were any less likable or Cora were anything less than a hateful, verbally abusive monster, the whole "guy with rich wife kills her so he can marry a younger woman" thing would be pretty repellent.
I absolutely love the way the inspector leverages his good heart against him in the end, convincing him the neighbor is going to go down for her husband's murder, knowing that Philip won't allow her to take the fall.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:22 AM on January 16 [1 favorite]
I absolutely love the way the inspector leverages his good heart against him in the end, convincing him the neighbor is going to go down for her husband's murder, knowing that Philip won't allow her to take the fall.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:22 AM on January 16 [1 favorite]
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posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:29 PM on January 15