The Hidden Room (1949)

Clive Riordan plans a devilish revenge against his wife's lover.

Director:

Edward Dmytryk

Writers:

Alec Coppel (book), Alec Coppel (screenplay)

Stars:

Robert Newton, Sally Gray, Phil Brown

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Robert Newton	...	Dr. Clive Riordan
Phil Brown	...	Bill Kronin
Sally Gray	...	Storm Riordan
Naunton Wayne	...	Supt. Finsbury
James Harcourt	...	Aitkin (butler)
Betty Cooper	...	Miss Stevens (receptionist)
Michael Balfour	...	American sailor
Ronald Adam	...	Clubman
Roddy Hughes	...	Clubman
Allan Jeayes	...	Clubman
Olga Lindo	...	Mrs. Humphries
Russell Waters	...	Flying Squad detective
Lyonel Watts	...	Clubman (as Lionel Watts)
Sam Kydd	...	Club steward
Monty the Dog	...	Monty - Storm's Dog

Storyline

London psychiatrist Clive Riordan, royally fed up with the repeated affairs of his wife Storm, plots a seemingly 'perfect' revenge against her latest lover, American Bill Kronin. Catching them in the act, he marches Bill off at gunpoint; and from the viewpoint of Storm and the rest of the world, Bill simply vanishes. But there's far more to the meticulously worked out plot than Clive's victims suspect, with the end slowly preparing in his private laboratory. Enter a mild-mannered Scotland Yard man, who seemingly has no clue beyond a missing dog...

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Plot Keywords:

dog | british noir | revenge | scotland yard | perfect crime | 

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Taglines:

Whose eye could see... Whose ear could hear... Whose mind could know... the Secret!

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Genres:

Crime | Film-Noir | Thriller

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 January 1950 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Hidden Room

Filming Locations:

Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Independent Sovereign Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Eddy Dmytryk told in his biography that Bob Newton had tendencies to be drunk during the shooting which he had to play in.

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Goofs

Crew member with folded arms visible in the reflection of the car window when the Superintendant is sending his officers back the station.

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Quotes

Dr. Clive Riordan: Are you married, Mr. Finsbury?
Supt. Finsbury: No... I've often thought about it. Trouble is, I've thought about it so long, I'm afraid I've missed the bus.
Dr. Clive Riordan: Just one of life's little jokes, isn't it?... It points out our mistakes too late for us to profit by them.

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Connections

Remade as ITV Saturday Night Theatre: A Man About a Dog (1972)

User Reviews

Brilliantly conceived and realised film noir

Robert Newton gives a restrained and powerful performance as a cuckolded doctor exacting revenge on his high-spirited wife by abducting her young American lover, then keeping her guessing as to where he is, and whether he is still alive. Sally Gray is nothing short of brilliant as the wife. And, Naughton Wayne is magnificent as the dogged police inspector. Obsession combines brilliantly chiseled characterisations with an extremely intelligent and literate screenplay. Keep it on tape, because no one gets all the nuances the first time he or she watches it, but it's all put together so brilliantly the repeat viewings become a glorious pleasure.