I love it when a movie captivates me, carries me along, then surprises
me at the end. This is a masterpiece of human maneuvering. It has
outstanding acting and a plot to die for. This is a fairly pedestrian
Agatha Christie short story. I'm not saying it's not a wonderful story,
just that it doesn't come to life like it does on the screen. Charles
Laughton is the wonder barrister who is taking the case, even though he
is in poor health.
The murder case seems a relatively simple one until
we begin to trip over the many layers left lying on the path. Marlene
Dietrich does a masterful job in all her roles (I won't say anymore
than that so I don't spoil the ending). Tyrone Power is able to balance
his pathos and his potential guilt. The beauty of the movie is that it
never takes itself too seriously. There are some modestly funny
subplots and a great deal of careful investigation. I guarantee you
that once you start watching, you won't be able to turn it off.
