The Third Alibi

This is a super thriller!

First rate story, with an excellent cast and a well devised plot, from beginning to end.

A writer of musicals is in a troubled marriage, so he plots a way to get rid of his wife so he can continue his relationship with her sister.

Some outstanding performances especially from the errand husband, his wife and the policeman in charge of the investigation.

Modern film makers should study the way this movie is presented: no unnecessary sub-plots yet a spider's web of intrigue with a climax that is brilliant.

Many of these so-called British B movies are far better than most modern-day new releases: 8/10.

Laurence Payne plays a skunk composer who is married to a beautiful woman (Patricia Dainton) but he decides that she isn't enough. So he starts a torrid affair with his wife's sister (Jane Griffiths). How low can you go? Although Payne loves no one but himself he decides to ask for a divorce so to please a nagging Griffiths. When his wife refuses to give him a divorce Payne and Griffiths concoct a murder plan to get rid of Dainton for good. Unfortunately for the pair, Dainton learns of their plan and sets out with a little plan of her own. As one would expect there are a few twists and turns to the finale that keep the viewer entertained.

There are tons of these low budget British crime films from this era. This one is slightly above the average with a nice screenplay and good performances across the board.

The British film industry made hundreds of thrillers in the 1950s but very few are memorable,but this is definitely one.I have just seen this again after some years.I consider it the perfect murder mystery for a number of reasons.Firstly every detail of the plot has a crucial impact in the climax,not least the hit and run accident.Every piece of the plot falls neatly into place.Patricia Dainton is able to use the details of the conspiracy to her advantage.The plot itself is uncomplicated and the story very well written.Well worth viewing when contemporary films have faded from view.Can be viewed on TV again for the first time in years.

Its outline may remind you of "sudden fear" starring Joan Crawford,Jack Palance and Gloria Grahame : the victim knows her husband and his mistress are going to kill her for she eavesdropped on their conversation which revealed their ominous plans.Besides ,a tape recorder plays a prominent part in the plot.But it's a good murder mystery on its own :the screenplay (based on a play) is well constructed ,and even the manslaughter on the road has its raison d'être(the final picture packs a real wallop) .Even the title is well chosen .

The sisters ' feud is a little derivative: it's once again the "my kid sister was spoilt , they had only eyes for her " well-known tale ;but the film is short , tense ,and there's never a dull moment .Directing is not very inventive ,but the suspenseful script will keep you glued to your seat till the very end.

What a clever little mystery this is, it is incredible how many of these forgotten gems are out there. I would have imagined this was made as a low budget b movie, but it is fully deserving of praise. Very good performances all round, Laurence Payne and Jane Griffiths are both very good, but it's the performance of Patricia Dainton that stole the show in her final on screen performance, a truly natural beauty, she plays a very soft, frail and dutiful wife, who possesses more then is shown on the surface. I love how complex the plot is, it is full of knots, twists and turns, it's a film you watch and have no idea which way it's going to go, you are guessing until the very (shock) end. It features a small cameo for Cleo Laine.

The plot is so good it could quite easily be remade into some cosy modern day mystery. It starts fairly slowly, and you could be forgiven for losing interest, but it's one of those that if you stick with you will totally get caught up in, the ending is so good too. I love a good mystery and this ticks all the boxes.

I'm glad I found it, 8/10