The film noir triangle is not typically American :lots of English ,Italian or French movies deal with it: this one is a little derivative,and the ending predictable,but the stifling atmosphere (alternate title:"heat wave" ) of this fateful lake and the house across where the hero is attracted by a femme fatale build a good suspense ; the story is in fact a flashback told by the principal to an invisible person ;as soon as he sets foot on the landing ,his fate is sealed. However, warnings abound : "The pianist must not be her husband cause wives do not look at them that way" "my wife collects men as others do with butterflies" "Carole's in love with herself" ; but when she appears ,blonde Hillary Brooks looks like a Germanic beauty , so sure of herself, she can drive men crazy : Alex Nicol is so obsessed he is not able to write his new book anymore ,and is ceaselessly attracted to the house like a moth around the flame .The misty lake provides a good setting for a perfect murder .
Note, in a small part,Joan Hickson ,the future Miss Marple.
Note, in a small part,Joan Hickson ,the future Miss Marple.