Again TCM comes to the rescue! Recently, I have unearthed a treasure trove of many classic British films from the 1940s. My selection for this week’s overlooked film is such a title.
Green for Danger is a murder mystery that takes place in a country hospital. When a patient dies in the operating theater, an attending nurse (sister) cries murder. When she is found dead shortly after, tensions are running high and Scotland Yard-er Inspector Cockrill.
In the midst of the tension in trying to solve the whodunit, there is a love triangle and a few moments of light humor, inserted seemingly to throw the audience off the scent of the culprit. At least it did so for me – I had no idea who had done it! A couple of twists that I did not see coming in the end add to the enjoyment of this film.
While I (and others) know Alastair Sim principally from his role as Ebenezer Scrooge, this film is another way for the modern audience to get familiar with the versatility of the actor.
This film is currently available on Criterion DVD.
* Please make sure to visit Todd Mason’s blog, Sweet Freedom for more overlooked titles.
Sergio (Tipping My Fedora) says
Great choice – this is one of my absolute favourite mystery movies – and it is wonderfulyl atmospheric too along with its droll sense of humour.
Sergio (Tipping My Fedora) recently posted..Keeper of the Flame (1943)
iluvcinema says
Thanks Sergio
I had absolutely no clue about this film until I randomly DVRed it. I mainly did so for the Genn/Sim/Howard trifecta!
Patti Abbott says
I’ve been wanting to see this one for years.
iluvcinema says
Definitely worth checking out 🙂
Richard West says
Oh, good choice. I haven’t seen it in years, but I remember it as an excellent movie. It is a reasonably faithful adaptation (though it reduces the number of characters, and therefore suspects) of the novel of the same title by Christianna Brand. That book, and her other novels and short stories featuring her series character, Inspector Cockrill, are all well worth reading: good examples of Golden Age “fair play” mysteries.
iluvcinema says
I was curious about the source materials after seeing the film of course. I kind of like the small number of characters brings a slightly more perilous aspect to the film.
ruth says
I had never even heard of the cast, let alone the film! This is why I LOVE your ‘Overlooked’ series Iba 🙂
ruth recently posted..The year of ensemble-cast movies – which one is your favorite?
iluvcinema says
Thanks Ruth. It is an Brit film and like I said TCM is really being awesome about bringing these films to our shores. It is a whole additional video library of classic B&W movies.
Martin Teller says
Alastair Sim is marvelous in this movie! Very fun movie.
iluvcinema says
Thanks for your comment!