Dr. Crippen

1963
TV-PG
1h 38m

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The real-life story of Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen, who was hanged in London in 1910 for poisoning his wife so he could be with his young lover. But was he truly guilty of murder?The real-life story of Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen, who was hanged in London in 1910 for poisoning his wife so he could be with his young lover. But was he truly guilty of murder?The real-life story of Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen, who was hanged in London in 1910 for poisoning his wife so he could be with his young lover. But was he truly guilty of murder?

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

853

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Although Dr. Crippen was hanged in 1910, his lover Ethel Le Neve was still alive when this film was released. (She died in 1967.)

Quotes
Dr. Crippen: Belle, I'm going to have to ask you to get rid of those young men.
Belle Elmore: Oh, you are, are you? Well, we have to take in lodgers. I'm not using my money to run this house for you.
Dr. Crippen: I'm not criticizing them or you, it's just that this isn't a home anymore.
Belle Elmore: I didn't know it ever was a home.
Dr. Crippen: You were happy here when we first moved in.
Belle Elmore: The house is alright.
Dr. Crippen: I realize I'm not everything you could wish for in a husband, but our life together isn't all that bad.
Belle Elmore: Maybe not for you.
Dr. Crippen: You have everything you need. I doubt if any of your... friends have more jewelry or clothes.
Belle Elmore: That's not all a woman needs.
Dr. Crippen: We've talked about that so many times.
Belle Elmore: That's right, and all we ever do is talk about it.

Connections
Featured in Gangsters: Incident Three (1976)

Soundtracks
I'm Not a One Man Woman
(uncredited)
Music by Ken Jones
Lyrics by Joe Roncoroni (as Dominic John)

User reviews19

Review

Featured review

6/10

True crime story enlivened by a good look and fine performances

DR. CRIPPEN is an effective retelling of a true crime story, bolstered by a typically excellent turn from Donald Pleasence in the titular role. Pleasence makes every facet of his flawed lead his own, and in the end you can truly believe that he is Crippen. He also helps to make Crippen a sympathetic character despite the turn of events that occurs.

The format of the film is kept simple and straightforward, with much of the story told in flashback and courtroom drama making up the rest. It feels a little bit staid and ordinary, but Nic Roeg's cinematography at least makes it look good and the cast is decent: Samantha Eggar convinces as the youthful mistress, while Coral Browne is so overbearing that you can't help but sympathise with poor Crippen. A typically fiery Donald Wolfit (BLOOD OF THE VAMPIRE) plays the prosecutor with his usual aplomb.