Josephine Tey combined detective fiction with good literature - she didn't crank out "who done its" to feed a greedy public. Her first book "The Man in the Queue" (1929) introduced urbane Detective Inspector Alan Grant and also incorporated a theatrical back- ground that she used again in "A Shilling For Candles". After that she alternated with historical novels until her death in 1951 and, of course, that was when her fiction really took off. Alfred Hitchcock had adapted her book "A Shilling for Candles" into the movie "Young and Innocent" (1937), one of his most light hearted movies starring Nova Pilbeam. "The Franchise Affair" also had a historical significance as it was based on a notorious 18th century case involving Elizabeth Canning.
A young traumatized girl runs through the storm and into her guardian's arms. The next day, Robert Blair (Michael Denison), a local solicitor, is telephoned by Marion Sharpe (Dulcie Grey) who lives at the Franchise (a source of gossip in the town). She and her frail mother (Marjorie Fielding) have been accused of kidnapping and beating a young girl, Betty Kane (Ann Stephens). Betty is bought to the Franchise to identify them, which she does with amazing accuracy - even to the tiny attic, the broken window and the car's painted tyres!!! Her brother goes to the press and the papers have a field day - accusations run riot!!
Blair starts to interview all the people connected with Betty - and he starts to piece together a story of a secretive girl who has a photographic memory!! It is such a superior British crime film, the kind they make so well, where clues and witnesses are followed up, towards a surprising ending. Instead of Michael Denison, it is usually John Mills. A witness comes forward - on Betty's side, but she is proved to be a girl with a grudge - she had previously worked for the Franchise but was sacked because of theft. Suddenly Betty is identified - not at a tea shop but by a waiter at a hotel, and not as a sweet schoolgirl, but as a made up tart who is not above picking men up!!!
This movie was another screen teaming for husband and wife stars, Michael Denison and Dulcie Grey. Inspector Grant is only a minor character in this movie. Along with "Brat Farrer" this is probably my most favourite mystery book and it has been made into a splendid film.
Highly, Highly Recommended.
A young traumatized girl runs through the storm and into her guardian's arms. The next day, Robert Blair (Michael Denison), a local solicitor, is telephoned by Marion Sharpe (Dulcie Grey) who lives at the Franchise (a source of gossip in the town). She and her frail mother (Marjorie Fielding) have been accused of kidnapping and beating a young girl, Betty Kane (Ann Stephens). Betty is bought to the Franchise to identify them, which she does with amazing accuracy - even to the tiny attic, the broken window and the car's painted tyres!!! Her brother goes to the press and the papers have a field day - accusations run riot!!
Blair starts to interview all the people connected with Betty - and he starts to piece together a story of a secretive girl who has a photographic memory!! It is such a superior British crime film, the kind they make so well, where clues and witnesses are followed up, towards a surprising ending. Instead of Michael Denison, it is usually John Mills. A witness comes forward - on Betty's side, but she is proved to be a girl with a grudge - she had previously worked for the Franchise but was sacked because of theft. Suddenly Betty is identified - not at a tea shop but by a waiter at a hotel, and not as a sweet schoolgirl, but as a made up tart who is not above picking men up!!!
This movie was another screen teaming for husband and wife stars, Michael Denison and Dulcie Grey. Inspector Grant is only a minor character in this movie. Along with "Brat Farrer" this is probably my most favourite mystery book and it has been made into a splendid film.
Highly, Highly Recommended.