The Verdict (1946)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

Don Siegel

Writers:

Israel Zangwill (novel)
Peter Milne (writer)

Release Date:

23 November 1946 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Film-Noir | Mystery | Thriller | Crime

Plot:

Mr. Grodman was a respected superintendent at Scotland Yard until a mistake in an investigation caused the execution of an innocent man...

Plot Keywords:

Murder | 1890s | Victorian Era | Based On Novel

Cast

Sydney Greenstreet	...	Supt. George Edward Grodman
Peter Lorre	...	Victor Emmric
Joan Lorring	...	Lottie Rawson
George Coulouris	...	Supt. John R. Buckley
Rosalind Ivan	...	Mrs. Vicky Benson
Paul Cavanagh	...	Clive Russell
Arthur Shields	...	Rev. Holbrook
Morton Lowry	...	Arthur Kendall
Holmes Herbert	...	Sir William Dawson
Art Foster	...	PC Warren
Clyde Cook	...	Barney Cole

Runtime:

86 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Certification:

Finland:K-16 | USA:Approved (PCA #11643, Adult Audience)

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Movie Connections:

Version of The Crime Doctor (1934)

Engrossing Tale Of Homicide

THE VERDICT in a vicious murder case impacts the lives of several London citizens.

Massive Sydney Greenstreet & diminutive Peter Lorre team once again in another suspenseful crime film from Warner Brothers. This Laurel & Hardy of the Sinister could always be counted on for their good acting and enjoyable scene stealing antics. While two of the movies they made (in conjunction with Humphrey Bogart) are undisputed classics, their lesser forays into the shadows are no less welcome.

Corpulent Greenstreet portrays a discredited former Scotland Yard superintendent, who, with the aid of eccentric artist Lorre, privately investigates the stabbing of a neighbor. Like a cello and violin duet, these two performers made a delightful team, their very different personas eliciting ominous music from their partnership.

British character actress Rosalind Ivan gives a vivid performance as Lorre's hysterical landlady. Others in the supporting cast also acquit themselves well: George Coulouris as Greenstreet's befuddled successor; Holmes Herbert as the stern head of Scotland Yard; Arthur Shields as a distressed clergyman; Morton Lowry as a playboy & Paul Cavanagh as a Member of Parliament, both with secrets to protect; and little Clyde Cook as a helpful burglar.

Movie mavens will recognize an unbilled Ian Wolfe appearing as a murder trial jury foreman.