Main Cast: John Hodiak, John Howard, Ann Richards, Isobel Elsom
Release Year: 1947
Country: US
Run Time: 81 minutes
Plot
Based on the novel by Agatha Christie and play by Frank Vosper, Love From a Stranger isn't quite as good as the 1937 version of the same property. This time, Sylvia Sidney and John Hodiak play the roles originally filled by Ann Harding and Basil Rathbone. Falling under the romantic spell of charismatic Manuel Cortez (Hodiak), impressionable sweepstakes winner Cecily Harrington (Sidney) marries him after a whirlwind courtship. It doesn't take long for Cecily to figure out that Cortez is a dangerous psychotic, bent on murdering his wife and claiming her fortune. Unable to convince anyone else of Cortez intentions (even though his behavior would, in real life, get him locked away in a minute), Cecily determines to outsmart her husband and catch him in his own trap. Ironically, Frank Vosper never saw either film version of Love From a Stranger, having died under mysterious circumstances in 1937 (too bad Agatha Christie never wrote that story!) ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
A moderately entertaining mystery flick (the story of which was better served when it was originally filmed in 1937), Love from a Stranger is an adequate but unexciting way to spend an hour and a half or so. Stranger wants to be a clever thriller, and it starts out well. Unfortunately, about halfway through it becomes rather obvious, and so the necessary suspense is simply lacking. Blame both director Richard Whorf and scenarist Philip MacDonald for this; the former's work is simply too pedestrian and the latter's simply too mechanical. Fortunately, Tony Gaudio's camerawork adds some polish and atmosphere, and Hans Salter's score is appropriately moody and evocative. Stranger also benefits from a fine performance from Sylvia Sidney, who makes the most of the material and helps the film over some of its bumpy spots. For his part, John Hodiak never finds the right tone. When he's trying to underplay, he bores; when he tries for menace, he goes much too far. The supporting cast is good, and the basic story keeps the viewer's attention, but Stranger as a whole is only mediocre. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Jack R. Rabin - Art Director, Perry Smith - Art Director, Richard Whorf - Director, Fred Allen - Editor, Irving Friedman - Composer (Music Score), Hans Salter - Composer (Music Score), Irving Friedman - Musical Direction/Supervision, Tony Gaudio - Cinematographer, Armor E. Marlowe - Set Designer, George J. Teague - Special Effects, Philip MacDonald - Screenwriter, Frank Vosper - Play Author, Agatha Christie - Short Story Author
