Handsome, boyish Albert Finney is a schizophrenic axe murderer in "Night Must Fall," based on the Emlyn Williams play, and a remake of the 1937 film starring Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell. There have been some rewrites. This film is less a psychological drama than an actual thriller this time around, with accompanying loud, distracting music. There is no repressed niece; there is instead, in the body of Susan Hampshire, a good-looking and fascinated daughter. And instead of being a harridan, the role of the aunt (now mother) is portrayed by Mona Washbourne as annoying. Also, the film has been opened up to encompass the outdoors more than the original, which centered around a secluded cottage.
Strangely, showing more of the surrounding area rather than keeping the film in the dark, claustrophobic cottage was less atmospheric somehow. I didn't have the feeling of foreboding that I had with the original, waiting - excuse the pun - for the axe to fall. There was none of the loneliness or tension either.
Albert Finney was at the top of his form, and had the actual story been closer to the original, he would have done an excellent job with that, too. He is a flirtatious dandy one minute, a playful little boy who doesn't know when to stop in the next, and a dangerous, vengeful child later on. Robert Montgomery's portrayal was smoother and less obvious fitting in with that earlier script. Susan Hampshire is very pretty and always good as a young actress on leave from London for reasons not explained, and Mona Washbourne is a typical semi-invalid old lady who in a strange way competes with her daughter for Finney's affections.
"Night Without Fall" seems to have been made on a low budget. There are choppy edits, and it almost appears as if some scenes are missing. If you forget the original and take this as a thriller, you will enjoy it more.
Strangely, showing more of the surrounding area rather than keeping the film in the dark, claustrophobic cottage was less atmospheric somehow. I didn't have the feeling of foreboding that I had with the original, waiting - excuse the pun - for the axe to fall. There was none of the loneliness or tension either.
Albert Finney was at the top of his form, and had the actual story been closer to the original, he would have done an excellent job with that, too. He is a flirtatious dandy one minute, a playful little boy who doesn't know when to stop in the next, and a dangerous, vengeful child later on. Robert Montgomery's portrayal was smoother and less obvious fitting in with that earlier script. Susan Hampshire is very pretty and always good as a young actress on leave from London for reasons not explained, and Mona Washbourne is a typical semi-invalid old lady who in a strange way competes with her daughter for Finney's affections.
"Night Without Fall" seems to have been made on a low budget. There are choppy edits, and it almost appears as if some scenes are missing. If you forget the original and take this as a thriller, you will enjoy it more.