The Late Edwina Black

TV production of the famous play. This version was on TV two years before the film was released. The plot is basically the same as the film since the play is at the base of both.

The companion to an ill, nasty and evil woman who is murdered is under suspicion. She and the woman's husband are in love and have been waiting for her to die. There l is a sort of low-rent version of Mrs. Danvers hanging about, being accusatory. The Scotland Yard Inspector would seem to be channeling Columbo if it were not for the date of production.

This is a nice little murder mystery. I found a few scenes were more melodramatic than they needed to be and there is a bit of flouncing but it is over-all very well-acted. The ending was within the framework of what I suspected but certain details were not available until the denouement.

This film starts out slow- but as the plot thickens the story makes a drastic turn as we get a mystery that will make people turn on each other with nobody trusting the other.

Edwina Black, a bitter sickly woman, has died. She is one that is not a likeable person and the locals know of her harsh treatment to her staff and the way she treats her husband Gregory.

Gregory is one that has been browbeat by Edwina and already has eyes for a younger woman, Elizabeth, that works as an assistant in the house. In fact, it is a known rumor that the two are in love.

After Edwina's funeral the two are planning a holiday in Italy - only ruined by an inspector from Scotland Yard- after arsenic is found to be the cause of death to Edwina. With both parties getting an inheritance suspicion falls upon both.

Even though Gregory and Elizabeth are devoted to each other, things beginning to turn when hints of falsehoods begin to swirling between the two. Making for an interesting development and a great mystery.

The first part of the film seems to drag as we begin to learn the characters and their actions. But as the film continues we get a very interesting plot that is made much better by the fact the actors are truly believable. It's a tale that has been written about many times but because of the cast and their performances, this will have you on the edge of your seat when all is done.

One scene stand out in this film. When the lovely Geraldine Fitzgerald is wearing her white dress near the middle of the picture, I do not think I have seen, in black and white, a more beautiful looking performance.

Stay for the entire movie, you will be rewarded. Good film.