One of those odd period films that Hollywood produced, possibly after the success of GASLIGHT and REBECCA. The general atmosphere is somewhat dark and there's a mystery at the center. MOSS ROSE is a lesser example and if it succeeds it may only be thanks to young Peggy Cummins and Ethel Barrymore. You'll also see Vincent Price in one of his many appearances for the studio. This was an odd choice for Victor Mature who was a big star at Fox. His very American manner an accent are explained by having an English mother but growing up in America. Mature is merely adequate in this movie with its gaslights and sumptuous Fox interiors. Cummins gives a spunky performance as a London dance hall girl who finds herself caught up, as a witness, in a murder investigation. Strangely, she is certain of Mature's guilt, yet somehow doesn't care and she takes quite a chance by approaching him with an unusual (and frankly unbelievable) request. Barrymore is her usual very dependable self here...no more should be said about her character. I'd recommend this only to the curious, if you come across it. In my opinion it's not a true Film Noir, even if it appears on many listings. Rather, it's a romantic period mystery. Well produced and directed but in the end nothing very special at all.
