The Pointing Finger

As an early example of the British crime film, THE POINTING FINGER has to rank as a failure. It's a quota quickie written and directed by George Pearson who seems uninterested in the material despite his involvement in it. The story is about a schemer who plots to murder his own cousin in order to get his hands on his estate, but it plays out in one lengthy conversation after another with little in terms of insight, drama and depth. The unknown cast work hard to inhabit their roles with dynamism, but they can do little to bring the sub-standard material to life. The end result is an hour-long film that's all filler.

George Pearson was one of the pioneers of the British film industry.he made his first film in 1913.However by the time he directed this film he was on his uppers.this film was one of no less than 5 that he directed in 1934.By 1936 he would make his feature film.This film is typical of the quota quickies turned out by Julius Hagen at Twickenham studios.It lasts 66 minutes and would have been sold to distributors ,Radio, for £6600 that is £1 per foot.The film utilises all the devices for quick filming.Not many close ups.Scenes done in one long take.There is one scene where there are 3 actors in the shot.Only the woman on the right edge of the frame is partly out of shot,clearly an error,but one which they chose not to rectify.The plot itself is quite strange and rather convoluted.Parts of the denouement are downright ridiculous.However for anyone interested in these type of films it will nonetheless provide interesting viewing.