Donald Wolft as Sydney Parsons
Entertaining movie about the on air murder of a radio actor. Val Gielgud appears as a radio producer. The movie is based on his novel and he co-wrote the screenplay. Peter Haddon is a lot of fun to watch as a man wandering around the building looking for the studio where a variety show is being broadcast. It’s also a good chance to see the early Jack Hawkins.
Nobody likes Sydney Parsons (Donald Wolfit). He’s in a studio by himself during the rehearsal of a murder mystery. Producer Julian Caird (Val Gielgud) doesn’t like the way Parsons portrays a man being strangled. He tries to coach him.
That night the play is being broadcast live. Walking into the building is Guy Bannister (Peter Haddon). He has arranged for a pass from radio executive Herbert Evans (Jack Hawkins). During the play lead actor Leo Dryden walks out to get some air before his cue. Time for Parsons’ strangling scene. He’s very impressive in the role. That’s because he really is strangled.
Detective Inspector Gregory (Ian Hunter) investigates. He finds out Parsons was a blackmailer. Leo is arrested. Bannister keeps looking for a girl he talked to while the murder was committed. She’s his alibi. He can’t find her. He isn’t a suspect but he runs around trying to find her anyway. Gregory keeps investigating and calls all the suspects in for a showdown.
The variety show segment features two good singers of the day, Eve Becke and Elizabeth Welch. It’s a good one to watch especially if you like the older British films.
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