Talk about frying pans and fires, this British slice of intrigue proves a heckofa jump. Actor Jones plays a dual role, first as an escaped criminal (Barlow), second as a country gentleman (Mathews). Barlow seeks out his double, Mathews, hoping he can impersonate him to escape the law. But can he, there are so many little tip-offs to give his phony act away. Then too, threatening ironies abound, especially when a ship explodes off-shore. For an hour run-time, it's a complex storyline, probably too much, especially with the foreign agent subplot. Nonetheless, the suspense is compelling, while Jones delivers a really understated turn that serves to emphasize the twists and turns. But you may need a scorecard to keep up with all the men in suits who come and go. At the same time, nobody is paricularly likable, including Barlow and Mathews and the suits. That's always a risk for a commercial product, one that Hollywood seldom took, its audience then having no one to root for. So, a pat on the back for the Brits. Anyway, it's a fairly nifty little import, unpredictable and atmospheric, with dialogue my American ears could understand. (In passing-- to me Jones bears a strong facial resemblance to American Kirk Douglas, while luscious actress Zena Marshall could pass for a British-style Ava Gardner. See what you think.)
Review of Deadly Nightshade
