Film noir is a genre rich in theme, mystery, and presentation. In its heyday, dozens of film noirs came out. Some of them, including The Maltese Falcon and Double Indemnity, are cinematic classics. An often-overlooked masterpiece from this era is 1955’s British selection Cast a Dark Shadow.
Dirk Bogarde, known for roles in films such as The Servant and Death in Venice, plays the scheming Edward “Teddy” Bare. He is married to affluent widow Monica (Mona Washbourne). Seemingly a loving husband, we soon come to realize ol’ Teddy is only in it for the money. Believing to be the heir to his wife’s fortunes, Teddy quickly arranges her murder, making it appear like an accident.
And then! PLOT TWIST. Monica only left him the house. No cash. This kicks the action into overdrive, as Teddy…decides to find someone else rich to marry? What a jerk! Take some time for self-reflection!
Cast a Dark Shadow is peppered with memorable characters. Bogarde as Bare somehow manages to be both malevolent and sympathetic. Washbourne as Monica delivers cutting remark after cutting remark, before well...her husband kills her off.
Based on the play Murder Mistaken by Janet Green, and adapted masterfully by Lewis Gilbert (who directed over 40 films), Cast a Dark Shadow is a regretfully overlooked but still dynamic masterpiece. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P.