Watch Three Cases of Murder

In the classic 1954 film Three Cases of Murder, directed by David Eady and George More O'Ferrall, three different murder mysteries are presented and solved. The film stars Orson Welles as Lord Mountdrago, John Gregson as Inspector Warren, and Elizabeth Sellars as Susan Manning. The movie begins with the narration of Lord Mountdrago, an influential politician who is set on becoming the next Prime Minister, despite opposition from his own party. As he returns home one night, he is attacked by an unknown assailant and left unconscious. When he wakes up, he finds himself in a strange room, wrapped in bandages, and cannot remember anything that happened to him.

The first case, titled "The Picture," is then presented to the audience. It follows Walter Craig (played by Alan Badel), a man who is accused of killing his wife, Laura (played by André Morell). Craig insists that he is innocent, and that the real culprit is his wife's former lover, who is still alive and out to get him. The police, however, are unconvinced, and Inspector Warren sets out to uncover the truth.

The second case, titled "You Killed Elizabeth," revolves around a playwright named Herbert Carpenter (played by Emrys Jones). Carpenter is visited by the ghost of Elizabeth (played by Jane Wenham), a woman he believes he has killed a year ago. Elizabeth claims that she was not really dead, but was only in a coma, and that it was Carpenter's negligence that caused her to die. Carpenter is terrified, and seeks the help of Inspector Warren to solve the mystery.

The final case, titled "Lord Mountdrago," is a continuation of the movie's opening scene. Lord Mountdrago wakes up in the strange room and discovers that he has been the victim of an elaborate plot. He is not the only one, however, as he soon learns that two other men have been trapped in the same way, and that they are all connected by a mysterious woman named Diana Ashley (played by Elizabeth Sellars). Together, the three men try to figure out who is behind their abduction and why.

Throughout the movie, the three cases are presented with a mix of seriousness and humor. The first case, for example, features a number of witty one-liners from Inspector Warren that provide a welcome break from the tension of the murder mystery. The second case, meanwhile, is more surreal and fantastical, with Carpenter's encounters with the ghost of Elizabeth being a highlight. The final case ties together the previous two cases and presents a satisfying conclusion to the movie's overarching mystery.

One of the most notable aspects of Three Cases of Murder is its use of different directors and writers for each of the three cases. Each case has a unique style and tone, with the first case being more traditional and straightforward, the second being more experimental, and the third being a more complex thriller. This approach keeps the movie fresh and exciting throughout, and allows each case to stand on its own.

The performances in the movie are all excellent, with Orson Welles stealing the show in his role as Lord Mountdrago. Welles' imposing presence and booming voice make him the perfect fit for the role, and he delivers some of the movie's most memorable lines with great gusto. John Gregson is also excellent as Inspector Warren, playing the character with a mix of intelligence and dry wit that makes him a joy to watch.

The movie's production design is also worth noting. The sets used for each of the cases are all well-designed and add to the overall atmosphere of the movie. The second case, in particular, features some impressive use of colored lighting and shadow to create a spooky and surreal mood.

Overall, Three Cases of Murder is a well-crafted and engaging movie that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. With its mix of different styles and genres, it stands out as a unique and entertaining entry in the murder mystery genre.