This is one of a series of a few dozen second features from Britain in the early 60s sold under the banner of Edgar Wallace mysteries. Although the German-made Wallace-based "krimi" series was simultaneously popular in Europe, the two couldn't have been more different in approach. The latter emphasized eccentric archcriminals and bizarre, violent crimes in very flamboyant 60's fashion, while the Brits specialized in clever, twisty, pared-down domestic murder plots along the lines of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. This title is considered one of the best of the series. Although like most B mysteries of the time it has an episodic, grey TV look with a bit more adult content, director Bridges provides enough complex camera set-ups and angst-ridden atmosphere to raise it above the pedestrian level stylistically. The plot is absorbing and well-executed, particularly the jarring outdoor climax, but remains rather under-motivated (possibly due to running-time constraints). In retrospect, the realistic style of the time can't rival the moody film noir approach which had by this time fallen out of favour.
3 Reviews
A wonderfully curious tale.
Sleepin_Dragon27 January 2023
A couple plan a small break, trading residencies with an elderly, respectable couple, only when they try and find their destination, the address hasn't existed for some time.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best episodes from the series, in terms of mystery, intrigue and suspense, three things I associate with the show, this one really does deliver on all counts.
There are so many curiosities here, you'll question why, how and where from start to finish, why would Ralph and Anne agree to loan their house to complete strangers, what is the true relationship between Tim and Anne, and the burning question, what happened to that couple?
Nicely produced, very well acted, Anthony Bate and Justine Lord were excellent, lovely to see Dandy Nichols to, it would be just a few short years before she'd become incredibly well known as Alf Garnett's long suffering wife Else.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, 8/10.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best episodes from the series, in terms of mystery, intrigue and suspense, three things I associate with the show, this one really does deliver on all counts.
There are so many curiosities here, you'll question why, how and where from start to finish, why would Ralph and Anne agree to loan their house to complete strangers, what is the true relationship between Tim and Anne, and the burning question, what happened to that couple?
Nicely produced, very well acted, Anthony Bate and Justine Lord were excellent, lovely to see Dandy Nichols to, it would be just a few short years before she'd become incredibly well known as Alf Garnett's long suffering wife Else.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, 8/10.
Act of Murder
Prismark1013 January 2022
Ralph and Anne Longman have a nice house in the country with some valuable antiques.
They do a house swap with an older couple from London.
Staying with the Longmans is Anne's old flame Tim.
The old couple are part of a scam. They plan to rob the house and disappear. Only to be interrupted by Tim who returned to collect an item that he forgot.
The Longmans find out that there is no house in London. However when they rush back, the house has all its contents in almost the same place. Their plants and pet dog has been poisoned.
The incident poisons the relationship between Ralph and Anne as she gets paranoid. Something Tim can take advantage of.
Director Alan Bridges went on to become a heavyweight director. He won the Palme d'Or in 1973.
This can be demonstrated with some of the camera shots and even the acting. The story has tension but it is not sustained with some holes. Maybe Ralph should had been more observant throughout.
The over melodramatic ending is a let down. I would have thought Ralph would had boxed more clever.
They do a house swap with an older couple from London.
Staying with the Longmans is Anne's old flame Tim.
The old couple are part of a scam. They plan to rob the house and disappear. Only to be interrupted by Tim who returned to collect an item that he forgot.
The Longmans find out that there is no house in London. However when they rush back, the house has all its contents in almost the same place. Their plants and pet dog has been poisoned.
The incident poisons the relationship between Ralph and Anne as she gets paranoid. Something Tim can take advantage of.
Director Alan Bridges went on to become a heavyweight director. He won the Palme d'Or in 1973.
This can be demonstrated with some of the camera shots and even the acting. The story has tension but it is not sustained with some holes. Maybe Ralph should had been more observant throughout.
The over melodramatic ending is a let down. I would have thought Ralph would had boxed more clever.
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