The Suspect (1944 film)

Plot

Philip Marshall (Charles Laughton) is a kind, henpecked accountant who strikes up an innocent friendship with a young stenographer (Ella Raines) who had approached him looking for work. He gradually finds himself falling in love with her, but keeps the relationship platonic.

His wife Cora (Rosalind Ivan), who has also alienated their son with her shrewish ways, suspects the worst and threatens a scandal. Cora dies after a fall down the stairs at home, and it is left to the viewer to decide whether Marshall arranged the fall or not. It is strongly hinted that he did, although the death appears accidental.

A Scotland Yard inspector (Stanley Ridges) suspects that Marshall murdered his wife but is unable to prove it. An impoverished, drunken, wife-beating neighbor (Henry Daniell) is interested to learn of the inspector's suspicions, and relishes the chance to blackmail Marshall, whose respectability he envies. He threatens to invent a story about an argument between Marshall and his wife, which would appear to prove that Marshall had killed his wife.

Marshall kills his neighbor. When the Inspector hears of this second death, he sets a trap in which he pretends to frame his neighbor's long-suffering innocent wife for the murder. The success of the trap depends on Marshall's coming forward, rather than letting the innocent woman hang. The inspector believes that, in spite of everything, Marshall has never lost his innate decency.

Cast

Release

Following a world-premiere screening December 22, 1944, in San Francisco, The Suspect was released nationally on January 26, 1945. Universal's promotion of the film included a 30-minute transcribed radio dramatization in which Orson Welles played the role of Philip Marshall. The disc was recorded by WOR Recording, New York, and was heard on six New York radio stations January 29–30, 1945.

The Suspect was chosen to screen at the White House March 17, 1945, following a small formal dinner celebrating the 40th wedding anniversary of Eleanor Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Guests included Crown Princess Juliana of Holland.

Reception

New York Times film critic Bosley Crowther wrote, "Another study of an amiable, middle-aged fellow who commits murder out of desperation and his attempts at concealing his connection is being offered in The Suspect … The Suspect is by no means a dull picture, but it seems to lack that quality of excitement which in good melodrama keeps one on edge. In a word, it is too genteel. Henry Daniell, as the blackmailer, and Rosalind Ivan, as the exasperating spouse, are each splendid, and Ella Raines is most appealing as the second wife. It might be remarked, however, that her choice of a husband of Mr. Laughton's dimensions is a bit strange."

Variety magazine praised the film: "In Charles Laughton’s accomplished hands, this character becomes fascinating … There is less of the bluster and none of the villainy of Laughton’s previous vehicles. He gives an impeccable performance as the kindly, law-abiding citizen. Matching his deft portrayal is Ella Raines as the youthful steno he weds after his wife’s demise."

Motion Picture Magazine gave the film a glowing review, praising the writing, directing and acting, saying "Without mincing words, Arthur T. Horman's adaptation from James Ronald's novel, magnificently transcribed to the screen by Bertram Millhauser, brilliantly directed by Robert Siodmak, who draws from Charles Laughton what is undoubtedly one of the finest characterizations of the latter's career, all combine to make The Suspect a superb thriller."

In 2011, online film critic Dennis Schwartz gave the film a mixed review, writing that Siodmak "competently directs this theatrical studio-bound minor film noir, and keeps it more as a character study than as a whodunit. It builds on suspense, but never becomes that exciting or interesting. But it's well-acted, though the dreary story is never totally convincing or compelling."

Adaptations

On April 9, 1945, The Lux Radio Theatre presented an hour-long adaptation of The Suspect, with Charles Laughton, Ella Raines, Rosalind Ivan, Denis Green, Lester Matthews and Eric Snowden.

Charles Bennett adapted The Suspect for the June 2, 1955, episode of NBC-TV's Lux Video Theatre. Directed by Buzz Kulik, the hour-long program starred Robert Newton (Philip Marshall), Toni Gerry (Mary Gray), John Hoyt (Huxley), Erin O'Brien-Moore (Cora Marshall), John Dehner (Gilbert Simmons) and Richard Lupino (John Marshall).