The Case of the Frightened Lady (film)

The Case of the Frightened Lady is a 1940 British, blackandwhite, crime, drama, mystery thriller, directed by George King and starring Ronald Shiner as Detective Sergeant Totty, Felix Aylmer, Helen Haye and Marius Goring. It was produced by Pennant Picture Productions and presented by British Lion Film Corporation. The film is based on a play by Edgar Wallace.

The story is a thriller that revolves around the Lebanon family who live at Marks Priory. Lady Lebanon Helen Haye tells her son, Lord William Lebanon Marius Goring that he must marry his cousin Isla Crane Penelope Dudley Ward to continue the family line. However, William has no intention of marrying Isla and matters are made more complicated due to Isla falling in love with architect, Richard Ferraby Patrick Barr, who has come to Marks Priory to draw up renovation plans. At the same time, the strange behavior of two footmen and the family physician Felix Aylmer add to the mystery surrounding the family and eventually rumor and speculation lead to a murderous conclusion.The New York Times wrote, the sort of thing Edgar Wallace could make intriguing on paperor, on the stage, as he did in telling of the horrendous doings at Marks Priory in Criminal at Large about ten years ago. But the old shocker has lost most of its punch...There are several reasons why Frightened Lady doesnt come off as it should. One is that Director George King has not evidenced any regard for suspense, the other is that the performances, on the whole, are uninspired. But perhaps the real reason is that the story itself is outmoded for cinematic treatment while Britmovie called it a tightly written murder mystery...probably one of the best scored films of the 1940s, with the piano dirges being played throughout the movie, The Case of the Frightened Lady is a fast moving story... it remains a classic for those who enjoy this genre of film and Vrit noted a fun and feisty thriller that unlike so many modern films, doesnt outstay its welcome. ........

Source: Wikipedia