wilvram This is a variation on the theme in which a murderer finds himself investigating his own crime. Hugh Sinclair does well as Robert Southley, an arrogant crime novelist whom had been involved in robberies on the other side of the Atlantic decades earlier. Blackmailed by a former accomplice (Michael Brennan) he resolves to murder him. Some suspension of belief is then required. He turns up at Brennan's seedy lodgings, disguised only with a false beard and we're supposed to accept that Brennan wouldn't recognise him straight away. Then Southley's acquaintance Inspector MacDougall (John Laurie) a critical fan is coincidentally put in charge of the case and selects it as an opportunity for the know-all Southley to try his hand at some real detection. There is later some ironic commentary, intentionally or not, on some of this when Southley's perceptive and resourceful secretary Linda (Dinah Sheridan) suggests correctly how the murder was committed, only for him to patronisingly tell her that the idea is implausible.This is an example of a crime film awarded the somewhat inaccurate label of Brit Noir in some quarters recently. With a few exceptions, notably Ken Hughes in films such as THE LONG HAUL, British film makers rarely attempted to emulate the look and atmosphere of those hardboiled American movies later to be designated as Film Noir. Though films like NO TRACE may share a few superficial elements with them, their charm today includes their period of the ordered society of immediate post-war Britain, their cheery incorruptible policemen and in this case the adorable Dinah Sheridan's plucky but vulnerable heroine. There could hardly be a greater contrast with the treacherous, morally ambivalent world of the Noirs.

kidboots Dinah Sheridan who died only last year at the age of 92 seemed to be the perfect leading lady either for dramatics ("Blackout" (1950)) or classic comedy ("Genevieve" (1953)). She started out in 1937 in her late teens but it was only in the early 1950s that she really hit her stride as the quintessential English Rose (and then suddenly retired in 1954 after remarrying). Even though, in this film she has the thankless role of the secretary, she gives the role a special something.Hugh Sinclair plays insufferable popular crime writer, Robert Southley, who is visited by a ghost from his past. It is slimy blackmailer Mike Fenton who went to prison for his part in a robbery while Southley escaped and created a new persona writing novels about the perfect crime. He pays up for an incriminating letter but of course that is only the first installment so he falls back on a disguise he created for an earlier novel, "No Trace", that of a weather beaten seaman. He manages the murder but a woman (terrific Dora Bryan, the one sparkle in the movie) from the boarding house has seen him and, as luck would have it, also has a copy of the book with the bearded man on the cover, although, in a little twist, never makes the connexion. The police are stumped and Southley who is now out of disguise and helping them, is convinced he has committed the perfect crime and is making the case the basis for his new book "Murder by the Book". But secretary Linda is starting to come to her own conclusions and Robert is not happy.The story's the thing in this quota quickie - certainly not the sets or the rather wooden acting from the male stars - both Sheridan and Bryan really stand out like beacons. Linda starts her own investigation, being discreetly tailed by a member of the police and Robert who is more determined than ever that her time on earth shall be short!!!This was almost the start of Barry Morse's career, he played the detective and love interest of Sheridan which didn't mean he had much to do - honestly, he seemed to be in every other T.V. show when I was a kid!! Hugh Sinclair is a familiar face to people familiar with British films from the 40s and 50s - he seems right at home as the supercilious author who thinks he can get away with murder.

malcolmgsw This film reminds me of the Edward G Robinson film made a few years before this.In that case Robinson,a professor,becomes infatuated with i recall Joan Bennett,and then bumps off her lover and is blackmailed by Dan Duyea.Raymond Massey ,the DA,invites Robinson to where the body was of course dumped by Robinson.So i guess a slight bit of plagiarism here.However for all that it is an enjoyable if routine thriller.Lots of familiar faces such as Michael Brennan,a very young Dora Bryan ,and of course John Laurie,some 17 years before attaining late stardom.I still think it would have been simpler for Sinclair just to go to the police and cop a plea rather than having to bump off Brennan.By the way i agree with the other reviewer,it was good to see how easy it was to park in London then !

GUENOT PHILIPPE I was amazed by this pretty good surprise from John Gilling. One of his earliest films. One of his most hard to find ones. UK amazing crime movies are not so numerous. This one is cheap but effective, sharp and breathtaking.The tale of a famous crime novels writer who commits the perfect murder in order to protect himself against a black mailer. A guy he knew several years ago and with whom he committed some outlaw jobs. A guy he absolutely has to get rid off. At all cost.I won't spoil the movie, describe all the details and deprive you of the pleasure I took myself. One of the greatest UK B movies from these years.And produced by the wonderful Robert Baker and Monty Berman.