The Man with a Cloak

The Man with a Cloak is a 1951 drama film directed by Fletcher Markle and starring Joseph Cotten, Barbara Stanwyck, Louis Calhern, and Leslie Caron, and based on The Gentleman from Paris, a short story by John Dickson Carr.

Thevenet, a wealthy, old, dissipated rake, correctly guesses Madelines purpose in visiting him she has been sent by Paul to ask him for money to support the revolution in France. Lorna, assisted by hulking butler Martin Joe De Santis and cook Mrs. Flynn Margaret Wycherly are also after Thevenets fortune, having waited for the old man to die for ten years. To that end, the trio let Thevenet drink as much as he wants, contrary to the instructions of Dr. Roland Nicholas Joy, and replace some prescribed medicine.Madeline has one ally, Dupin Joseph Cotten, an impecunious, heavydrinking poet to whom the films title refers. A chance acquaintance, she turns to him when she suspects the medicine has been poisoned. They take it to a pharmacist, who finds it to be sugar water. Dupin becomes acquainted with Lorna and recognizes her as a former actress who achieved fame with Thevenets backing. ........

Source: Wikipedia