I think the filmmakers and Rank were hoping for a new Thin Man in this tale of Richard Todd investigating a mystery in Venice. There is some location work in Venice but the movie is rather gloomy. The photography feels overcast and Todd is grim, as is Eva Bartok.
Director Ralph Thomas and Betty Box became known for breezy entertainments and a lighter touch might have helped this - imagine say David Niven in the lead instead.
The story is both confusing and simple. Todd's looking for a guy, everyone says he's dead, we know he's not because John Gregson is billed third. Gregson is with Bartok and Todd doesn't know Gregson so Todd doesn't have a strong personal connection to the cast.
Location shooting helps and Gregson has a decent fall to his depth. Reality is undercut by all the non Italians playing Italians eg Sid James, Gregson, Geogre Colouris.
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