The Man in Black (1949) - Review in 4K Ultra HD

      The Man in Black, 1949.

      Directed by Francis Searle.

      Featuring Betty Ann Davies, Sidney James, Sheila Burrell, Anthony Forwood, Hazel Penwarding, and Valentine Dyall.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A woman and her daughter plot to seize her stepdaughter’s inheritance following the enigmatic death of her husband. Henry Clavering (Sidney James) is a wealthy man deeply interested in yoga and Eastern philosophy, yet he is troubled by thoughts of his demise and the actions his avaricious wife Bertha (Betty Ann Davies) and her equally selfish daughter Janice (Sheila Burrell) might take regarding his fortune. Despite intending to leave the majority of his wealth to his daughter Joan (Hazel Penwarding) as long as she maintains her mental health, he is apprehensive about his wife's greed.

      During one evening's gathering, Henry showcases his yoga abilities, claiming he can slow his body to the brink of death before reviving himself, but complete silence is essential for this practice. A sudden noise from a falling picture disrupts his concentration, leading to his death. Bertha, Janice, and Janice's fiancé Victor (Anthony Forwood) immediately begin plotting to drive Joan insane, thereby allowing Bertha to claim Joan’s £250,000 inheritance. However, groundskeeper Hodson may come to Joan's aid, as he appears to be quite knowledgeable about his employer's wife's dealings.

      This film is inspired by The Man in Black radio mysteries from the 1940s, and it serves as a Hammer B-movie that notably lacks much of the studio's typical talent in front of and behind the camera (though the names of Anthony Hinds and Jimmy Sangster do appear in the credits). Still, Sid (credited as ‘Sidney’) James takes on a markedly different role from his usual comedic performances in the Carry On… series, excelling in this more serious part, even if his slightly posh accent is a bit surprising. Fortunately, he is not required to speak in this manner for very long, although the film features significant dialogue as it shifts into a domestic drama after the yoga demonstration. This element is evidently there to introduce some mystery and intrigue, though in retrospect, the notion of Sid James being a yoga expert leans more toward the comedic.

      Nonetheless, The Man in Black emerges as a fairly decent thriller, maintaining a concise runtime of 78 minutes, layered with several unexpected twists that keep viewers guessing. In truth, most viewers familiar with cinematic storytelling will likely unravel the plot just a few minutes after Sid James's yoga session, but one can imagine audiences in its original release being somewhat more taken aback. However, the format of radio probably delivers a more fulfilling experience.

      Featuring the smooth-voiced Valentine Dyall as the titular man in black—serving primarily as a narrator with a minor role in the overarching story—The Man in Black has been released as part of the same Hammer box set that includes their recent titles, presented in a well-defined black-and-white 4K UHD print that belies its 70-plus years of age. The collection includes two new audio commentaries: one by House of Hammer Podcast hosts Lizbeth Myles and Paul Cornell, and the other by writer Will Fowler and film historian Melanie Williams, along with a dialogue between acclaimed authors Martin Edwards and Andrew Taylor about the Detection Club, a longstanding organization for mystery authors. Additionally, writers Jonathan Rigby and Vic Pratt discuss Valentine Dyall’s career. Three audio episodes from Suspense—a US radio play series introduced by The Man in Black—are also included, which offer an enjoyable listening experience after the main feature.

      Overall, while The Man in Black may not be essential Hammer viewing or a must-see murder mystery, it is light-hearted and sufficiently brief for an enjoyable experience if you have about 80 minutes to spare. Collectors will likely want to add this set to their collection of revitalized Hammer films, while casual viewers may find curiosity in seeing Sid James take on a serious role, one that suits him quite well.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Chris Ward