Suspended Alibi

A rather civilized little film, well-crafted and scripted in a polished but understated way, and populated with good actors. A husband in a rather morally complex situation finds himself suspected of a murder, and additional complications ensue in a well-nuanced and believable fashion. The story is told economically and intimately, with both momentum and narrative skill. While in every way a B-picture, it's a class effort, containing all the usual trappings of a British drama involving murder and "the Yard" yet managing to sidestep expected clichés or stereotypical characters. It was clearly shot inexpensively, 95% on the soundstage, and yet its occasional exteriors were well-chosen and effectively integrated to represent the characters who supposedly live within the various buildings. Indeed the entire production seems informed by intelligent choices by all concerned.

Perhaps not quite "a classic," but certainly a good, solid British noir well worth a look. It's enjoyable and rather satisfying in its own modestly distinctive way. An additional and notable highlight is a young Honor Blackman at her most radiantly beautiful in a distinctively three-dimensional portrayal of the wife of the suspect.