Sub-standard Hitchcock. The only reason to comment is the presence of that fine, dominating actor of the 30's and 40's, Claude Rains. Here he plays a drunken, out-of-work actor, who's reduced to begging for parts from nemesis James Gregory. On this particular day, producer Gregory first refuses and then insults Rains, evicting him from the office. But then, inexplicably, he turns up the next day to congenially offer Rains a part. The only suspense or plot involvement revolves around why this sudden change of heart. Has Gregory sincerely decided to befriend the old actor, or has he an ulterior motive. The answer may keep you hanging around.
Anyway. Rains looks so much the part that I'm not sure he's acting. But the resonant voice, powerful build (of a much larger man), and dominant screen presence are still in evidence. In his prime, Rains could compete with the most dominating actors of the time, including the redoubtable Bette Davis. Too bad he never received the official recognition his talent merited. He may be only a shadow here, but the presence is still impressive.
Anyway. Rains looks so much the part that I'm not sure he's acting. But the resonant voice, powerful build (of a much larger man), and dominant screen presence are still in evidence. In his prime, Rains could compete with the most dominating actors of the time, including the redoubtable Bette Davis. Too bad he never received the official recognition his talent merited. He may be only a shadow here, but the presence is still impressive.