The Face at the Window (1939)

Set in France in 1880. A series of murders is attributed to a Wolf Man.

Director:

George King

Writers:

Brooke Warren (based on the play by), A.R. Rawlinson (scenario and dialogue) (as A. Rawlinson)

Stars:

Tod Slaughter, John Warwick, Aubrey Mallalieu

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Tod Slaughter	...	Chevalier Lucio del Gardo
John Warwick	...	Lucien Cortier
Aubrey Mallalieu	...	M. de Brisson
Marjorie Taylor	...	Cecile de Brisson
Robert Adair	...	Police Inspector Gouffert
Wallace Evennett	...	Prof. Le Blanc (as Wallace Evenett)
Leonard Henry	...	Gaston
Kay Lewis	...	Babette
Bill Shine	...	Pierre (as Billy Shine)
Margaret Yarde	...	La Pinan
Harry Terry	...	The Face at the Window

Storyline

In 1880, the criminal called The Face is responsible for a murderous rampage in France. When the Brisson Bank is robbed in Paris and the employee Michelle is murdered, the wealthy Chevalier Lucio del Gardo is the only chance to save the bank. Chavalier proposes to the owner M. de Brisson to deposit a large amount of gold, but in return he would like to marry his daughter Cecile. However, Cecile is in love with the efficient clerk Lucien Cortier that belongs to the lower classes and refuses the engagement. In order to get rid off the rival, Chavalier uses evidences to incriminate Lucien, manipulating the incompetent Parisian chief of police.

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Plot Keywords:

france | paris france | murder | 19th century | year 1880 | 

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Genres:

Drama | Horror

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film is one of over 200 titles in the list of independent feature films made available for television presentation by Advance Television Pictures announced in Motion Picture Herald 4 April 1942. At this time, television broadcasting was in its infancy, almost totally curtailed by the advent of World War II, and would not continue to develop until 1945-1946. Because of poor documentation (feature films were often not identified by title in conventional sources) no record has yet been found of its initial television broadcast.

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Connections

Featured in Doom Asylum (1988)

User Reviews

Slaughter!

In 1880, the criminal called The Face is responsible for a murderous rampage in France. When the Brisson Bank is robbed in Paris and the employee Michelle is murdered, the wealthy Chevalier Lucio del Gardo (Tod Slaughter) is the only chance to save the bank.

Another team-up between actor Tod Slaughter and director George King (who expertly told the tale of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street). This dynamic duo really nailed it and for that I thank them.

This is something of a horror film, though it tends to be more along the lines of a crime story. There is little about it that is outright terrifying or scary. That in no way takes away from the picture and all those involved should be proud.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 October 1940 (USA)

Also Known As:

Um Vulto na Janela

Filming Locations:

British Lion Studios, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

George King Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

67 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Photophone System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1