All writers should have careers like Frederick Knott – apparently he made enough money out of two hit plays to not have to work, which perhaps explains why he wasn’t that prolific. His first big hit was Dial M for Murder, which ran forever; this was his second – not as big a success but still highly popular. Like Dial M it’s got a bright central idea, and lots of well-thought-out-if-slightly-convoluted plot.
Basically it’s about a blind lady at home unaware the doll her husband has mistakenly come into possession of is full of heroin. I’m surprised Knott didn’t use the husband as a baddie but there you go; there’s an impressive trilogy of villains: Richard Crenna, Jack Weston, and Alan Arkin. Arkin over-acts with a dodgy accent, but Audrey Hepburn is a terrific heroine. 50s/60s ken doll Effrem Zimbalist Jnr plays her hubby. Memorable climax when Arkin takes on Hepburn, efficient direction from Terence Young.
Basically it’s about a blind lady at home unaware the doll her husband has mistakenly come into possession of is full of heroin. I’m surprised Knott didn’t use the husband as a baddie but there you go; there’s an impressive trilogy of villains: Richard Crenna, Jack Weston, and Alan Arkin. Arkin over-acts with a dodgy accent, but Audrey Hepburn is a terrific heroine. 50s/60s ken doll Effrem Zimbalist Jnr plays her hubby. Memorable climax when Arkin takes on Hepburn, efficient direction from Terence Young.
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