wes-connors Review of The Tell-Tale Heart

The Tell-Tale Heart (1960)

The Sound of Guilt

[4/10 · 29 July 2009]

"Based upon the Edgar Allan Poe story, 'The Tell-Tale Heart' is the story of a writer (Laurence Payne) who finds himself with a romantic rival (Dermot Walsh) for the affections of a young woman (Adrienne Corri)," according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis. Now, go read the short story… This film fails to fully capture the spirit of the original, filling it out with an ordinary love triangle. The protagonist's fondness for alcohol, tendency for peeping, and collection of dirty pictures are nice touches. There are some nicely staged scenes, and Mr. Morris often employs very good camera angles. The climax is moderately exciting, but the ending is a letdown.

**** The Tell-Tale Heart (12/60) Ernest Morris ~ Laurence Payne, Adrienne Corri, Dermot Walsh