Watch The Hangman Waits

The Hangman Waits is a 1947 British film noir directed by William Berke, starring John Turnbull, Beatrice Campbell, and Hylton Allen. The film is set in a small English village called Gallowshields, where a series of brutal murders have occurred. The killer has been dubbed the "Hangman" by the press due to the fact that he always strangles his victims with a hangman's noose.

The film begins with the discovery of the first victim, a young woman named Jenny the Lamplighter. Her body is found by a local police sergeant, Sergeant Mason (John Turnbull), who is the only member of the force in the village. Mason is a gruff and experienced police officer who has seen his fair share of murders, but the Hangman's killings are different. The killer seems to be taunting the police, leaving clues and notes at the crime scenes.

As the bodies pile up, the pressure mounts on Mason to solve the case. He is joined by Alice West (Beatrice Campbell), a young newspaper reporter who is eager to get the scoop on the story. West is a smart and resourceful woman who quickly becomes Mason's ally in the investigation. They work together to sift through the clues and uncover the identity of the Hangman.

The investigation takes them to many dark and seedy corners of Gallowshields, including a rundown boarding house where some of the victims lived. The boarding house is run by a sinister and creepy man named Mr. Plimmer (Hylton Allen), who seems to be hiding something. Mason and West suspect him of being involved in the murders, but they can't prove it.

As the investigation heats up, Mason and West find themselves drawn to each other. They share a deep and genuine affection, but they both know that their focus must remain on catching the Hangman. The tension between them adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, as they struggle to balance their personal feelings with their professional duties.

The film's climax is tense and exciting, as Mason and West finally confront the Hangman. The identity of the killer is revealed in a surprising and dramatic twist, and the film ends on a satisfying note.

Overall, The Hangman Waits is a well-crafted thriller that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The performances by Turnbull and Campbell are strong, and the film's moody and atmospheric cinematography adds to the overall sense of danger and suspense. It's a gripping and entertaining movie that is sure to please fans of classic film noir.