moriczmusic Reviews

Suspended Alibi (1957)

A good, solid B-picture with a compelling story, an excellent cast and few twists and surprises.

[7/10 · 27 January 2017]

A rather civilized little film, well-crafted and scripted in a polished but understated way, and populated with good actors. A husband in a rather morally complex situation finds himself suspected of a murder, and additional complications ensue in a well-nuanced and believable fashion. The story is told economically and intimately, with both momentum and narrative skill. While in every way a B-picture, it's a class effort, containing all the usual trappings of a British drama involving murder and "the Yard" yet managing to sidestep expected clichés or stereotypical characters. It was clearly shot inexpensively, 95% on the soundstage, and yet its occasional exteriors were well-chosen and effectively integrated to represent the characters who supposedly live within the various buildings. Indeed the entire production seems informed by intelligent choices by all concerned.

Perhaps not quite "a classic," but certainly a good, solid British noir well worth a look. It's enjoyable and rather satisfying in its own modestly distinctive way. An additional and notable highlight is a young Honor Blackman at her most radiantly beautiful in a distinctively three-dimensional portrayal of the wife of the suspect.

The Clouded Yellow (1950)

Solid intelligent British thriller, one of the best of its type.

[9/10 · 4 October 2016]

This is a film that has a lot going for it:

--a typically excellent, nuanced and three-dimensional performance from Trevor Howard as a forced-into retirement espionage agent encountering a surprising new adventure back home while at times revisiting aspects of his own past.

--Jean Simmons in her radiant younger days in a role of mystery, range and substance.

--a highly intelligent script that expects viewers to think and rewards their patience.

--stylishly and confidently directed, and photographed with great distinction by the later-legendary Geoffrey Unsworth.

--excellent use of locations, well-paced, filled with surprises.

Those who are comparing it to British Hitchcock are partially right, but it also has the erudite touch of a Sir Carol Reed about it. It's visually quite satisfying, naturalistically shot for the most part, but with well-thought-out process shots when necessary. This story eventually covers a lot of ground, and each new location and situation is shot with a real eye for the distinctive look or texture of where they are next. While the visual choices are rarely "flashy," there is a real sense of location and imagery. Outdoors and nature compete with urban or more claustrophobic settings, and all the myriad parts add up to a polished and satisfying whole. It starts a little slowly, but once the wheels begin to turn, it gradually takes you on quite a journey, narratively, emotionally and geographically. I found myself very invested in the main characters.

Another plus is the excellent score by Benjamin Frankel -- it hits its full marks not only in the dramatic or suspenseful passages, but also in some unusual and subtle piano music played by Simmons' character.

No complaints about this movie! It's a gem.

Murder Will Out (1952)

Watchable but unmemorable, and impractically plotted.

[4/10 · 25 September 2016]

This is a film populated with unlikable people — we can't even fully sympathize with Hugh(Edward Underdown) because he is too weak to resist a particular professional temptation — he clearly possesses SOME principles about this, but allows himself to be steamrollered in a fashion that strains credibility. James Robertson Justice's performance delivers a little fun, and his jaded character at least comes off more believably than anyone else's except perhaps his butler's. Valerie Hobson plays what is probably the single most unsympathetic role of her entire career, seemingly without fully realizing it. This film walks a rather uncertain wobbly line between noir and an awkward romantic story. In neither category does it "land" with any conviction, despite the calibre of the actors involved.

While I didn't like anyone in the story and the entire proceeding feels highly incredible in every detail, I suppose it's still entertaining enough for one viewing if you've nothing better to do. It's a not unpleasant little diversion, attractively made but with little distinction to the story it is telling.