Le manoir du mystère

Hawkins is an insurance investigator who coincidentally meets old flame Dahl who is married to dennis Price. The aftermath of this meeting includes two fires, a possible murder , blackmail and bigamy?? Sterling support from Geoffrey Keen and his real life father as Hawkins employers. There are enough red herrings here to keep everyone happy and Hawkins as always is superb. This is the kind of film that reminds everyone of an England that is no more. Slow cars, fur coats ,dancing and supper at a nightclub. Where Scotland yard looks it should and the coppers look like michael goodlife. The minor characters are well rounded and blend into a believable plot. And the old house in the fog coupled with the smoke from the fires remind us of the smog filled London of the 50s.

Oh how I love old British films.

Jack Hawkins is Oliver, an insurance adjuster who runs into a past love (Arlene Dahl) while on a case in "She Played with Fire."

While checking on a claim of fire in a mansion owned by Tracey Moredon (Dennis Price), he learns that Moredon has married his girlfriend, Sarah, from five years ago.

Later he discovers that a valuable painting ruined in the fire was actually sold to someone else. He later finds Moredon dead and suspects Sarah.

Decent noir with some gothic horror touches, with a nice performance from flirtatious Greta Gynt.

A neat twist at the end. A final note: my friend, Jack Larson, who knew everyone, said that of s the gorgeous women in Hollywood, Dahl was the most stunning.

3 likesJack Hawkins is Oliver, an insurance adjuster who runs into a past love (Arlene Dahl) while on a case in "She Played with Fire."

While checking on a claim of fire in a mansion owned by Tracey Moredon (Dennis Price), he learns that Moredon has married his girlfriend, Sarah, from five years ago.

Later he discovers that a valuable painting ruined in the fire was actually sold to someone else. He later finds Moredon dead and suspects Sarah.

Decent noir with some gothic horror touches, with a nice performance from flirtatious Greta Gynt.

A neat twist at the end. A final note: my friend, Jack Larson, who knew everyone, said that of s the gorgeous women in Hollywood, Dahl was the most stunning.

3 likesJack Hawkins is Oliver, an insurance adjuster who runs into a past love (Arlene Dahl) while on a case in "She Played with Fire."

While checking on a claim of fire in a mansion owned by Tracey Moredon (Dennis Price), he learns that Moredon has married his girlfriend, Sarah, from five years ago.

Later he discovers that a valuable painting ruined in the fire was actually sold to someone else. He later finds Moredon dead and suspects Sarah.

Decent noir with some gothic horror touches, with a nice performance from flirtatious Greta Gynt.

A neat twist at the end. A final note: my friend, Jack Larson, who knew everyone, said that of s the gorgeous women in Hollywood, Dahl was the most stunning.

It's Christmas Eve London. Insurance adjuster Oliver Branwell is sent to investigate a fire claim at a large manor. Tracey Moreton lives there with his mother and wife Sarah. Oliver and Sarah exchange knowing looks. They have history.

It's a British noir mystery thriller. The acting is a little old school melodramatic when they do the dramatic turns. I like the back and forth with the suspicion. There is some fine paranoid thriller material. It's pretty good.

Engaging, Entertaining Mystery from a Top-Notch British Film-Crew with some Outstanding Dark and Fluid Cinematography, Direction and Acting.

Jack Dawkins and Arlene Dahl Headline this Plot-Twister that has Elements of a Late Film-Noir that Keeps Viewers Guessing while Unreeling some Dark Gothic Imagery.

The Ending has been Criticized as a Letdown, but Getting there is an Intense Atmosphere of Romanticism and Crime.

Doesn't quite Attain Hitchcock Level of Suspense but it's a Darn Good Try.

Good Supporting Actors Help the Dialog Heavy and Talky Tale Keeps You On-Your-Toes.

The Film is a Sleek Production that has the British Film Industry Firing on All Cylinders.

"She Played With Fire" is the American Title and "Fortune is a Woman" was the Original.

Nobody seemed to Like Either One.

Definitely Worth a Watch for Fans of American Film-Noir and Sleek Studio Movie-Making at its Finest.

This is a fine adaptation of an original novel by Winston Graham. Most only know of Graham's 'Poldark' novels, however, he also penned thrillers and other historical novels many of which have been adapted for the screen. If you are a fan of 1950s British films and Jack Hawkins then this is for you.